Aircraft Circuit Breakers

Abstract

Airplane circuit breakers are recognized as important units in the electrical systems of military aircraft. The design of such circuit breakers can be combined with switching and contactor functions. This makes possible the use of welldeveloped switch and contactor structures. The design of such circuit breakers must provide for operation under the very exacting requirements of military aircraft service. The principal function of both manual and remote-control circuit breakers is to provide short-circuit protection. There is some question as to the desirability of motor protection for military aircraft. Many motor functions are vital to the operation of the aircraft, and it may be better to operate the motor to destruction rather than to stop at a safe temperature or load value. Where motor overload protection is desired, it is necessary to correlate circuit-breaker and motor characteristics. Both manual and remote-control circuit breakers can be made to provide for holding the circuit closed in emergency to ``force'' the motor or other equipment.