Quick Facts
- Type
- Aircraft System
- Definition
- Compressed air extracted from a jet engine's compressor section
- Used By
- Pilots, Engineers
Definition#
Bleed air is high-pressure, high-temperature air extracted from the compressor section of a gas turbine engine. It is ducted to various aircraft systems for heating, pressurization, and anti-icing.
Why It Matters Operationally#
Bleed air powers cabin pressurization and air conditioning (except in bleedless designs like the 787), wing and engine inlet anti-icing, and hydraulic reservoir pressurization. Extracting bleed air reduces engine efficiency slightly.
Related Guides#
- How Jet Engines Work (Turbofan vs Turboprop)
- Cabin Pressurization Explained
- Aircraft Icing Explained