A Guide to Aircraft Landing Gear Components

While often overlooked by passengers, landing gear plays a vital role in the overall safety and functionality of an aircraft. It is primarily responsible for supporting the weight of an aircraft during takeoff, landing, and while on the ground. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of key components of aircraft landing gear and their respective functions, making the subject accessible even to those without an aerospace background.

At its core, landing gear consists of several key components, each designed to work in harmony to ensure safe and efficient operations. The primary components include wheels, tires, shock absorbers, brakes, and struts, as well as retraction and extension systems. Together, these parts must withstand immense forces generated during landing, support an aircraft while it is on the ground, and enable smooth taxiing between runways and terminals.

Wheels are the most visible part of the landing gear, and they are designed to support the full weight of an aircraft during landing and while it is stationary. These wheels are made from high-strength layers of rubber and other synthetic materials that can endure the significant stresses of high-speed landings and takeoffs. Moreover, they are often reinforced with strong nylon or Kevlar cords to enhance durability and reduce the risk of blowouts.

Shock absorbers, also known as oleo struts, also play a vital role in the landing gear system. Their primary function is to absorb and dissipate the energy generated during landing, preventing excessive stress on the airframe and reducing the impact forces transmitted to the passengers and crew. These shock absorbers typically use a combination of hydraulic fluid and compressed gas to cushion landings, providing a smoother touchdown and reducing wear and tear on the landing gear.

Brakes are another essential component of the landing gear system, responsible for slowing down an aircraft after landing. Aircraft brakes are usually located on the main wheels and are activated as soon as the aircraft touches down on the runway, using a combination of hydraulic pressure and friction to generate the necessary stopping power. Furthermore, modern aircraft brakes are highly efficient and are often equipped with anti-skid systems to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, ensuring that an aircraft remains controllable even under challenging conditions.

The landing gear struts function as the support structure for the wheels, shock absorbers, and brakes. These struts must be incredibly durable and made from materials like high-strength steel or titanium, as they bear the brunt of the forces encountered during landing and ground operations. In addition to providing support, the struts also serve as attachment points for the retraction and extension mechanisms, which allow the landing gear to be stowed away during flight.

Finally, the landing gear also includes various smaller parts in addition to these main components, such as actuators and sensors. Actuators are responsible for the movement of landing gear components, like the retraction and extension of the gear or the application of brakes. Sensors, on the other hand, provide critical feedback to an aircraft's systems to ensure that all landing gear functions are operating correctly or alerting the crew to any potential issues.

In summary, the landing gear is an intricate system composed of numerous vital components, each playing a specific role in ensuring the safety and performance of an aircraft during critical phases of flight. If you need axle parts, wheels, actuators, or other landing gear components, look to Find NSN and our vast selection of stocked products. Take the time to peruse our ever-expanding collection of offerings as you see fit, and if any particular items grab your interest, be sure to use our online RFQ service to request quotes for your comparisons. Keeping this in mind, start procurement with us today to see how we can easily meet all your needs.