What does an exploded view in orthographic drawings illustrate?

An exploded view in orthographic drawings is particularly effective at illustrating spatial relationships between parts. This type of drawing visually separates components from their assembled positions, allowing viewers to understand how different parts fit together and how they relate in three-dimensional space. By showing these elements in an exploded manner, the drawing clarifies the assembly process and the orientation of each part in relation to others, which is critical for assembly, maintenance, and repair tasks in aviation.

While internal features are indeed visible in exploded views, the primary function is to highlight the spatial arrangement and connectivity of the parts rather than to focus solely on their internal characteristics. Similarly, while the shape of curved surfaces may be depicted to some extent, exploded views prioritize the understanding of how components relate spatially rather than providing detail on surface curvature. Finally, an exploded view does not necessarily showcase all perspectives of an object; rather, it emphasizes the relationships among components from a particular vantage point, which is often front or side view, rather than a complete representation from all angles.