Hardwood is commonly used for what aircraft components?

Hardwood is often chosen for specific aircraft components due to its unique properties, including strength, durability, and resistance to warping. In this context, support blocks and tip bows are typically made from hardwood because they require materials that can handle stress and maintain structural integrity under varying loads. The density and strength of hardwood provide the necessary support for critical elements of the aircraft structure while also offering the resilience needed for effective performance.

Other components, such as wing frames or control surfaces, generally require materials with different characteristics, such as lightweight properties that aluminum or composite materials can provide. Thus, hardwood is specifically suited for applications like support blocks and tip bows where robustness and weight can be appropriately balanced for the overall design and performance of the aircraft.