ASAP Aerospace Blog

What Are Airplanes Made Of? A Guide to Aircraft Materials

Posted on August 17, 2026 Kyle Salem
Airplanes are made from a combination of aluminum alloys, carbon-fiber composites, titanium, steel, nickel-based superalloys, polymers, glass, rubber, and other specialized materials. Each material is selected for a specific balance of strength, weight, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, and cost.

The exact mixture depends on the airplane. Traditional airliners generally contain more aluminum, while newer designs use more carbon-fiber composites.

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NSN Number Lookup: How to Find and Identify an NSN

Posted on August 13, 2026 Kyle Salem

When sourcing military, aerospace, or industrial components, you may encounter an NSN alongside a manufacturer part number, CAGE Code, or other identifying information. Knowing how to interpret and search these identifiers can make it easier to confirm the correct item and locate related part information.

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CAGE Code vs NSN: What's the Difference?

Posted on July 31, 2026 Jacob Luiz

If you've spent any time sourcing aerospace or defense parts, you've bumped into these two terms more than once. They get thrown around together so often that people assume they're interchangeable.

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What Is ASAP Aerospace and How It Helps Aviation Buyers

Posted on February 25, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Being able to source the right component and have it delivered at the right time is one of the most important elements of upholding operational continuity in the aviation industry, especially as turnaround times and schedules continue to tighten across operations. This is where ASAP Aerospace comes in, serving as a dedicated aviation parts distribution platform that supports civil, military, and commercial buyers alike with access to a vast inventory of quality aircraft components. 

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How to Use an NSN Lookup to Find Aircraft Parts Quickly

Posted on February 22, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Aircraft parts procurement often involves locating exact component matches within large and highly standardized supply networks, where accuracy and speed both play important roles in sustaining operational continuity. To simplify this process, many buyers rely on National Stock Number (NSN) lookup tools to support efficient identification and sourcing activities. In this blog, we will explain how NSN lookup processes function, examine how NSN data is structured, and outline practical ways these tools can help professionals locate aircraft parts with greater efficiency.

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A Procurement Guide for Collins Aerospace Actuators

Posted on February 4, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Aerospace actuators serve as critical motion-control devices that convert electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other forms of input data into coordinated mechanical movement that is harnessed across multiple aircraft systems. Among the many manufacturers who are known for producing such devices, Collins Aerospace stands out with its solutions that are engineered to withstand some of the most demanding flight environments while performing reliably. In this blog, we will explore the key uses of Collins Aerospace actuators, crucial maintenance practices that can sustain their long-term reliability, and key factors buyers should evaluate when sourcing these essential assemblies.

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Sourcing EMI/RFI-Shielded Components for Advanced Avionics and Communication Systems

Posted on January 29, 2026 Jacob Luiz

In advanced aircraft systems, mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) is a strict performance requirement. Because avionics and communication systems are expected to operate without error in environments exposed to electromagnetic disturbance from external sources and closely-packed internal subsystems alike, a lack of shielding can result in unwanted noise and signal distortion or completely impair their functionality. In this blog, we will cover some avionics and communication system components that incorporate shielding characteristics, as well as provide some general tips to make sure any parts you choose to source are completely effective in combatting EMI and RFI.

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What Should Buyers Know When Sourcing Electrical Components for Industrial Systems?

Posted on January 28, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Industrial and commercial electrical systems depend on a wide range of components to support equipment protection goals, maintain consistent performance, and ensure long-term reliability across varied environments. As failures or installation mismatches at the component level can directly affect system uptime, procurement professionals need to have the skills necessary to identify and secure electrical parts of need. In this blog, we will examine key considerations buyers should weigh when sourcing connectors, relays, circuit breakers, and switches for industrial applications, ensuring sound investments can be made for any project.

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EMI and EMC Considerations for Connectors and Harnesses

Posted on January 9, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Connectors and harnesses across aerospace, defense, and industrial electrical systems serve to facilitate reliable signal transmission and power distribution.There are many technical factors that engineers must evaluate when integrating these assemblies, but electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are particularly vital considerations. Uncontrolled EMI can lead to data corruption, functional malfunctions, and failed regulatory testing, while insufficient EMC leaves systems vulnerable to such interference. To help you avoid these pitfalls, this blog will cover some practical guidance for selecting connectors and harnesses with EMI and EMC considerations in mind.

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Selecting the Right Fasteners, Bearings, and Structural Hardware for High-Stress Aircraft Applications

Posted on January 9, 2026 Jacob Luiz

The reliability and performance of countless aircraft systems often hinges on the use of fasteners, hardware, and bearings that are engineered to accommodate varying loads, vibration levels, temperatures, and environmental conditions common to flight. To meet these expectations, such items are often manufactured in accordance with NAS, MS, or AS standards, all of which strictly define allowable materials, dimensional tolerances, and performance characteristics. In more operationally-demanding areas like structural joints, landing gear systems, engines, flight control linkages, and beyond, the expected conditions and functional requirements are further amplified, making it necessary for professionals to seek the right options for any assembly. In this blog, we will offer some basic guidance for selecting fitting fasteners, bearings, and hardware for demanding aircraft applications, so read on if you are interested in learning more.

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How ASAP Aerospace’s Consignment & Supply-Chain Services Help Large Fleets Manage Spare Parts Efficiently

Posted on January 2, 2026 Jacob Luiz

The optimal management of spare parts is critical for large fleets operating across civil and defense aviation sectors, especially when it comes to handling inventory or stocking up on parts with limited capital. While ensuring that aircraft remain operational with replacement components on hand is important for minimizing potential downtime or setbacks, having too many items that are not regularly turned over or stretching finances too thin can lead to a number of issues. As such, many professionals turn to trusted professionals like ASAP Semiconductor for consignment and supply-chain services, our purchasing platforms offering a range of solutions for customers. 

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Understanding Avionics Modules and Their Role in Modern Aircraft Systems

Posted on January 2, 2026 Jacob Luiz

Avionics modules serve many essential functions within modern aircraft, enabling navigation, communication, flight control, and situational awareness across a wide range of operational environments. As aircraft system architectures have evolved toward greater integration and software dependency, the efficient procurement of these modules has become increasingly critical for operators. In this blog, we will examine common avionics module types, factors that complicate their availability within the supply chain, and maintenance practices that can sustain their long-term system reliability.

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