Ultimate Guide to Landing Gear Parts
As you board a plane, you probably don’t give much thought to the intricate components that make up the landing gear. However, these modern marvels that take up only 3-5% of an aircraft’s takeoff weight play a critical role in ensuring a safe and successful landing every-time. Or at least when things go well. Unfortunately, a review of accident statistics indicates that over 45% of all general aviation accidents occur during the approach and landing phases of a flight.
Understanding the components of the safety gear is an important step to keeping safe and understanding general aircraft safety.
What is Landing Gear and Why is it Important?
Landing gear is a retractable system located on the underside of an aircraft, that supports its weight during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. It consists of several components, including struts, wheels, brakes, and hydraulics, all of which work together to absorb the impact of landing and ensure the aircraft remains stable on the ground.
Without a properly functioning landing gear system, an aircraft cannot land safely. In fact, landing gear-related incidents are among the most common types of aviation accidents. In 2021, an American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in New Mexico due to a landing gear issue. The plane landed safely, but the incident once again highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of landing gear components to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the different parts that make up the landing gear and how they work.
5 Core Components of Landing Gear
1. Struts
The struts are the long, vertical legs that support the weight of the aircraft during landing. They are typically made of strong, lightweight materials such as titanium or carbon fiber. They help absorb any shock made during contact between the aircraft and surface when landing, assisting the wheels in this process.
2. Wheels
The wheels are the most visible component of the landing gear system. They provide a smooth landing by absorbing the shock of the impact and enabling the aircraft to roll on the ground. Most aircraft have two or more wheels on each strut, depending on the size and weight of the aircraft.
3. Brakes
Brakes are an essential component of the landing gear system, used for slowing down the aircraft after landing and during taxiing. They are located on the wheels and are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. The brakes work in conjunction with the wheels to bring the aircraft to a stop.
4. Hydraulics
Hydraulics are the system responsible for extending and retracting the landing gear. It consists of pumps, hoses, and valves that deliver hydraulic fluid to the struts and other components. The hydraulic system provides the force needed to move the heavy landing gear, making it possible to stow it away in the aircraft’s fuselage during flight.
5. Electrical systems
Electrical systems are used to control and monitor the landing gear. They include sensors, switches, and indicators that provide information to the pilots about the status of the landing gear, and controls when the landing gear is raised and lowered.The electrical system provides information to the pilot as to the position of the landing gear
Maintenance Essentials for Landing Gear Parts
Proper maintenance of landing gear parts is critical to ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Here are some key maintenance tasks that are performed on landing gear components:
1. Visual inspections
Regular visual inspections of the landing gear components are necessary to identify any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
2. Lubrication
Applying lubrication to the landing gear parts helps to prevent wear and tear, reduce friction, and extend the life of the components.
3. Replacement of worn or damaged parts
If any landing gear components are found to be worn or damaged during inspections, they must be replaced immediately to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
History of Landing Gear
The history of landing gear can be traced back to the early days of aviation, when aircrafts were first being developed and tested. According to a report by the Aerospace Manufacturing Magazine, early aircraft landing gear consisted of simple skids or wheels attached to the fuselage (main body) or wings of the aircraft. However, as aircraft became more advanced and began to fly longer distances, landing gear became increasingly important for ensuring safe landings and takeoffs.
In the 1920s and 1930s, landing gear design began to evolve rapidly. New materials such as aluminum and steel were being used to create stronger and more lightweight landing gear components, and the use of hydraulic systems allowed for more precise control over the landing gear. According to a report by the Aviation Week network, this era saw the introduction of the “pivoting main gear,” which enabled the main wheels to swing inward and upward, reducing drag and allowing for higher speeds.
During World War II, the need for larger, heavier aircraft drove innovation in landing gear technology. According to a report by NASA, this era saw the development of better and better retractable landing gear, which allowed aircraft to achieve higher speeds by reducing drag during flight. In addition, landing gear systems became more complex, with multiple wheels and struts used to support the added weight of the aircraft. Despite these advances there were still unfortunate mishaps, including 457 B-17 crashes caused by pilots mixing up flap and landing gear controls that looked exactly the same. Even with the best engineering minor issues mixups can still occur.
After World War II, landing gear design continued to evolve, driven by advancements in materials and technology. In the 1950s and 1960s, the introduction of jet aircraft led to new challenges in landing gear design, as these planes required stronger, more durable components to handle the higher speeds and greater weight. According to a report by the Aerospace Engineering Blog, this era saw the development of “bogie landing gear,” which uses multiple wheels on each strut to distribute the weight of the aircraft more evenly and reduce stress on the landing gear components.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) allowed for even greater precision and efficiency in landing gear design and production. This technology also allowed for the creation of more complex landing gear systems, with advanced hydraulic and electrical systems used to control the movement and operation of the landing gear. According to a report by the Aerospace Manufacturing Magazine, this era saw the introduction of “smart” landing gear, which uses sensors and monitoring systems to provide real-time feedback on the condition of the landing gear components.
Today, landing gear design continues to evolve, driven by advancements in materials, technology, and safety standards. Modern landing gear systems are designed to be more reliable and efficient than ever before, with advanced sensors and monitoring systems used to ensure the safe operation of the landing gear. In addition, new materials such as carbon fiber and composites are being used to create even stronger, lighter landing gear components.
Overall, the history of landing gear design is one of constant evolution and innovation, driven by the need for safer, more reliable aircraft. From simple skids and wheels to complex hydraulic and electrical systems, landing gear technology has come a long way over the past century, and is likely to continue evolving in the years to come.
The Future of Landing Gear Safety
In 2018, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report stating that landing gear-related accidents were the second most common type of aviation accident. The report highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of landing gear components to prevent accidents, and this offers an opportunity to consciously work on improving landing gear safety.
The future of landing gear is both an important and a profitable part of the aviation market, both now and in the upcoming years. The market is currently dominated by a few key players, including Safran Landing Systems, Collins Aerospace (a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies), and Héroux-Devtek Inc. These companies have a significant presence in the global landing gear market and are constantly investing in research and development to improve the design and performance of landing gear components. A report by Market Research Future has found that the global landing gear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period of 2018-2023. The report states that factors such as increasing demand for new aircraft, modernization of existing aircraft, and growing demand for lightweight landing gear components are driving the growth of the landing gear market. This is also backed up by the report done by Grand View Research, predicting that the North American landing gear market will grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period of 2020-2027. This report cites factors such as increasing demand for military aircraft, rising defense spending, and the presence of major aircraft manufacturers in the region as driving the growth of the landing gear market in North America.
Overall, the landing gear market is expected to see steady growth in the coming decade, driven by an increasing demand for new aircraft and modernization of existing aircraft. Major players in the market, such as Safran Landing Systems and Collins Aerospace, are investing heavily in research and development to improve the performance and reliability of landing gear components, ensuring the safety and stability of aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
The Lasting Impact of Landing Gear
Every person involved in commercial aviation should hold a huge respect for the incredible engineering and near perfection that goes into landing gear production. Despite this there are still mishaps, which is exactly why having the right aircraft part matters. In the calendar year 2002 there were 874 FAA mishap reports involving certified, piston-powered retractable-gear airplanes in the United States. Of those incidents 431 were gear-related reports, 208 (48 percent) were gear collapse mishaps, 158 (37 percent) were gear up landings, and the remaining 65 (15 percent) involved an identified gear-related mechanical cause. This is why the vigilance and professionalism of the aviation industry is key. Landing gear parts are a critical component of any aircraft, ensuring safe takeoff, landing, and taxiing. By understanding the function and maintenance of these parts, we can appreciate the complexity and importance of the landing gear system. Proper maintenance and attention to detail are essential to ensure that the landing gear operates smoothly and reliably.