Engine pylons play an important role in aviation. All airplanes have engines. Whether it’s a turbofan or turboprop, they are the main thrust-generating devices. Engines produce the forward force needed to overcome drag and move the airplane through the air. While most people are familiar with engines, however, pylons often go unnoticed.
The Basics of Engine Pylons
Engine pylons are structural assemblies that connect aircraft engines to fuselages or wings. Most aircraft engines aren’t simply bolted or fastened to the airplane. Instead, they are connected via pylons.
Aircraft engines are housed in containers. Known as nacelles, they contain many essential components while also providing a more aerodynamic and streamlined shape. Engine pylons are designed to connect nacelles — along with the engine and related components — to the airplane itself.
Engine pylons are available in different materials, some of which include the following:
- Aluminum alloy
- Titanium
- Stainless steel
- Carbon-fiber composite
Where Are Engine Pylons Located?
On most commercial airplanes, engine pylons are located directly beneath the wings. They extend downward from the engines where they connect to the top of the nacelle.
Other types of airplanes may use different placements for engine pylons. Smaller airplanes, such as regional jets, often feature rear-mounted engines. Airplanes such as these feature engine pylons near the back of the fuselage rather than under the wings.
The Importance of Engine Pylons
They may seem like basic support brackets, but engine pylons serve several key purposes. For starters, they transfer the weight of the engine to the airplane’s primary structure. Engines, of course, are quite heavy. Small piston-driven engines may weigh just 400 pounds, whereas larger jet engines can weigh over 20,000 pounds. Pylons transfer this weight to the airplane’s main body, allowing for a safe and stable flight.
Engine pylons also provide a pathway for critical systems. Engines typically have fuel lines, wiring, hydraulic lines and other control systems. These systems must connect to the airplane itself. Pylons provide a pathway so that critical systems such as these can run from the engine to the airplane.
Fire safety is another reason airplanes have engine pylons. Engines, particularly jet engines, produce intense heat. During combustion, the internal temperature of a jet engine can reach 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Engine pylons are often designed with fire-resistant barriers and thermal shielding to prevent fires from spreading to the airplane.
