Aircraft undercarriages, also known as landing gear, are the structures that support an aircraft on the ground and during takeoff and landing. The undercarriage is an essential component of an aircraft, as it allows the aircraft to safely touch down and take off from a runway. The undercarriage is typically located beneath the fuselage of the aircraft and is made up of several components, including wheels, tires, brakes, and struts. The design of an aircraft's undercarriage depends on several factors, including the size and weight of the aircraft, the type of terrain it will be operating on, and the intended use of the aircraft. For example, aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations may have larger wheels and tires to allow for operation on rough terrain, while aircraft designed for high-speed flight may have retractable undercarriages to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. There are several types of undercarriages used on aircraft, including fixed, retractable, and amphibious. Fixed undercarriages are permanently attached to the aircraft and are typically used on smaller aircraft, while retractable undercarriages can be retracted into the fuselage during flight to reduce drag. Amphibious undercarriages are designed for aircraft that operate on both land and water, and typically include floats or skis in addition to wheels. In addition to supporting the aircraft during takeoff and landing, the undercarriage also plays an important role in braking and steering the aircraft on the ground. Aircraft brakes are typically located on the main wheels of the undercarriage and are used to slow down and stop the aircraft during landing. The undercarriage also includes steering mechanisms, such as a nose wheel or tail wheel, that allow the pilot to control the direction of the aircraft on the ground. Overall, the design and operation of an aircraft's undercarriage is an essential aspect of aircraft safety and performance. A well-designed and maintained undercarriage is critical for safe and efficient operation of an aircraft.
landing gear, wheels, tires, brakes, struts
CITATION : "Kevin Anderson. 'Aircraft Undercarriages.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=315888 (Accessed on June 15, 2026)"
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