How is the Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System (RIMSS) engine started?

How is the Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System (RIMSS) engine started?

• A. Hydraulic starter
• B. Pneumatic starter
• C. Manual crank
• D. Electric starter

Answer: (D)

Starting a gas turbine engine requires bringing the compressor up to a speed where ignition can occur. The Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System does this with an electric starter motor that drives the engine through its accessory gearbox, supplying the necessary rotation to start the engine’s airflow and fuel flow sequence. Because it’s electric, the system can draw power from the aircraft’s batteries or an auxiliary power source, and it’s designed with redundancy so a secondary starter or separate feed can take over if one path fails. This makes the start process self-contained and reliable, without depending on external hydraulic or pneumatic systems or on a manual cranking effort. In contrast, hydraulic or pneumatic starters rely on external fluid pressure, and manual cranking isn’t practical for a modern turbine engine, so an electric, mechanically driven start with redundancy best fits the RIMSS concept.

Starting a gas turbine engine requires bringing the compressor up to a speed where ignition can occur. The Redundant Independent Mechanical Start System does this with an electric starter motor that drives the engine through its accessory gearbox, supplying the necessary rotation to start the engine’s airflow and fuel flow sequence.

Because it’s electric, the system can draw power from the aircraft’s batteries or an auxiliary power source, and it’s designed with redundancy so a secondary starter or separate feed can take over if one path fails. This makes the start process self-contained and reliable, without depending on external hydraulic or pneumatic systems or on a manual cranking effort. In contrast, hydraulic or pneumatic starters rely on external fluid pressure, and manual cranking isn’t practical for a modern turbine engine, so an electric, mechanically driven start with redundancy best fits the RIMSS concept.