A ram air turbine is a small turbine (propeller electricity generator) that is connected to a hydraulic pump, or electrical generator, installed in an aircraft and used as a power source.

When the airplane loses both engine powers, it must safely glide to the nearest airport to land. In order to do so, pilots must be able to effectively use all the tools available, including flats and wheels, in order to make an ideal approach and smooth landing. Yet, flaps require electricity, or in aviation terms, hydraulics to open and close. Without any source of power, where does the pilot get all the power?

In such situation, ram air turbine will save you. It is usually located near the nose cone or under the wings or cabin and is deployed once all the engines lose power. It is not powered – remember you don’t have any power right now – and it actually “generates” power as the plane glides through the air and the passing air turns the propellers. It is not as huge as the jet engines – even a ram air turbine of A380 will not exceed 1m in diameter. As it generates power, it will provide the power for the pilot to open up the flats and make a safe landing.