Landing gear is the undercarriage of an aircraft or spacecraft that is used for taxiing, takeoff or landing. For aircraft, it is generally needed for all three of these. It was also formerly called alighting gear by some manufacturers, such as the Glenn L. Martin Company.

Main landing gear are the two or more large gear located close to the aircraft’s center of gravity. Three basic arrangements of landing gear are used: tail wheel-type landing gear (also known as conventional gear), tandem landing gear, and tricycle-type landing gear.

The landing gear is the principal support of the airplane when parked, taxiing, taking off, or landing. The most common type of landing gear consists of wheels, but airplanes can also be equipped with floats for water operations or skis for landing on snow.

Dec 16, 2024 · The design of a landing gear system balances strength, weight, and safety while incorporating specific measurements and sizes to support different aircraft types. Landing gear must be sturdy enough to hold the plane’s full weight on the ground, absorb shocks on landing, and provide a smooth takeoff experience.

May 17, 2022 · All landing gear configurations consist of a set of main wheels, designed to absorb the brunt of the landing load, and auxiliary wheels used to support the aircraft while on the ground. Whatever the configuration, the main wheels are larger, stronger, and located near the aircraft center of gravity (c.g.), while the auxiliary gear is located in ...

Sep 8, 2023 · There are four basic types of landing gear. These are Tail-Wheel Gear, Tricycle Gear, Pontoons (or Floats), and Ski-planes. Each of these basic types fulfills a specific function that is unique to the aircraft's operational requirements.

Each landing gear has 3 main parts, which are the struts, the wheels, and the brakes. The most important design requirement of the strut is structural strength. They are made of very high strength materials such as titanium and steel.

May 28, 2024 · The landing gear is the core support of the aircraft when parked, taxiing, taking off, or landing. The most familiar form of gear involves wheels. However, planes can also be fitted with floats for water services or skis for operating on snow.

A landing gear usually takes the form of two or more main undercarriage units in the wings or fuselage, and an auxiliary undercarriage unit at the nose or tail which carries only a small proportion of the total load and is used for steering purposes.

Nov 15, 2024 · This shows that the aircraft landing gear, a seemingly simple yet important component, is essential for safe aircraft landing, takeoff, and maneuvering. From its role in supporting the aircraft's weight to its shock-absorbing capabilities, the landing gear is a testament to engineering ingenuity.