That airplane landing gear took one heck of a punishment, but did its job!
Well, at least passengers woke up if they were sleeping. For a moment, you feel like the plane is landing vertically!!
What happens when 120 tonnes of landing Boeing 767 encounters severe turbulence just above the runway. Just watch the wheels bouncing in all directions under the shear forces. Very reassuring that the undercarriage can take this sort of punishment without blowing itself to pieces.
Landing gear might not be the most glamorous subject, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most crucial components of any aircraft. For commercial airplanes, the landing gear is an engineering marvel designed to withstand tremendous forces during takeoffs, landings, and even adverse conditions. Let’s explore why this unsung hero of the aviation world must be tough and reliable.
- Bear the Weight: Landing gear is responsible for supporting the entire weight of the aircraft. The landing gear must endure the immense pressure of the aircraft, its passengers, cargo, and fuel. It must reliably hold up under all circumstances, from the moment the plane taxis onto the runway to the instant it lifts off the ground.
- Shock Absorption: Landing gear is more than just a set of wheels; it’s a complex system that includes shock absorbers to manage the impact during landing. As an aircraft makes contact with the ground, these systems must absorb the shock efficiently to protect the airframe and passengers.
- Variety of Surfaces: Commercial aircraft operate on a wide range of surfaces, from smooth runways to unpaved airstrips. Landing gear must be versatile enough to handle these different terrains, ensuring safe and smooth landings regardless of the location.
- Crosswind Landings: Pilots often face challenging crosswind conditions during landing. The landing gear must be sturdy enough to handle these off-center landings without compromising passenger safety or aircraft integrity.
- Bird Strikes: Bird strikes are a real danger during takeoff and landing. Landing gear must be designed to withstand impacts from birds or other debris, reducing the risk of damage that could affect flight safety.
- Hard Landings: Pilots sometimes encounter rough landings due to weather conditions, turbulence, or other factors. The landing gear must be engineered to handle these less-than-ideal landings without causing structural damage to the aircraft.
- Fatigue Resistance: Commercial airplanes make hundreds of landings each year, and their landing gear must endure cyclic fatigue. The gear must be able to withstand repeated takeoffs and landings without weakening over time.
- Emergency Situations: In the rare event of an emergency landing, the landing gear must be reliable. It plays a crucial role in protecting passengers and crew by helping to dissipate energy and prevent the airframe from collapsing during a rough landing.
- Strict Certification Standards: Landing gear systems must meet rigorous certification standards and undergo extensive testing before they are approved for use in commercial aircraft.
- Constant Inspection and Maintenance: Airlines adhere to strict maintenance schedules to inspect and maintain landing gear, ensuring its reliability. Routine maintenance is crucial for the safety and performance of the entire aircraft.
