What Are Important Components On Aircraft Landing Gear?

Conventional aircraft landing gear consists of two main wheels and a single tail wheel. The main landing gear cushions the impact of landing and is a heavily stressed area.

Shock Absorber

The shock absorber is one of the most important components of aircraft landing gear. The shock absorber must absorb and dissipate energy so the forces on other parts of an aircraft, and its passengers, are tolerable during landing. The shock absorber can be integrated with a landing gear strut.

Tires

Aircraft tires feature diagonal layers of rubber-coated nylon, called plies, which are anchored by steel wire beads that form the inner diameter of the tire. The beads also provide mounting surfaces for the wheel and are the most important part of the tire.

Hydraulics

Landing gear must be lowered and retracted correctly, and these processes are achieved by a mechanical actuation system, powered by hydraulics (fluid). In an emergency, electric motors connect to the mechanical system to lower the landing gear.

References

• "M" Level 3: Landing Gear, Tires, Wheels, Brakes
• Docstoc: Landing Gear Shock Absorber
• Baseops: Landing Gear