A Brief Primer on Aircraft Braking Systems
Different types of aircraft rely on a variety of braking systems for safe operation. From wheel brakes on commercial planes to rotor brakes on helicopters, braking systems are critical for safety and performance.
Each type of aircraft braking system has unique features and functions based on its position and purpose.
Aircraft Wheel Brakes
Aircraft wheel brakes are incorporated into the aircraft’s landing gear. Aircraft wheel brakes must apply tremendous force to fast-moving wheels to slow or halt their rotation and bring the aircraft to a stop on the tarmac or runway. All components of an aircraft’s braking system must withstand the friction and heat generated by the braking process.
Different types of aircraft must perform braking maneuvers in different environments. Commercial aircraft wheel brakes are operated almost exclusively on well-maintained airport runways. These runways tend to be long, allowing ample time for braking. Military aircraft, on the other hand, often must land on fields, rough surfaces, or aircraft carriers with extremely short runways. These strenuous and often unpredictable situations put considerable stress on the aircraft’s braking system, which must be taken into account during the design process.
The tremendous forces of aircraft wheel braking systems are operated entirely via a foot pedal, controlled by a human pilot.
Helicopter Rotor Brakes
The purpose of helicopter rotor brakes is to stop the rotation of the helicopter’s blades. Helicopter pilots do not deploy the rotor brakes until after the helicopter has landed and the engine has been shut down. Only after the spinning rotors have come to a complete stop is it safe for the pilot and passengers to exit the helicopter.
Helicopter rotor brakes are very different from aircraft wheel brakes. While wheel brakes, which are integrated into the aircraft’s landing gear, have virtually no impact in the air, it is incredibly dangerous to activate helicopter rotor brakes while in flight, even for a moment. For this reason, helicopter rotor brakes are activated with a manual lever, instead of a foot pedal that could be tapped by accident.
Brakes for Homebuilt Aircraft
Many homebuilt aircraft are entered into short takeoff and landing (STOL) competitions. Pilots of homebuilt aircraft strive to execute a complete stop as quickly as possible after landing, often less than fifteen feet from the touchdown site.
Needless to say, fast-acting brakes must be able to apply and withstand tremendous pressure. And because these aircraft are homebuilt, the landing gear and braking system installation process must be simple enough for the average STOL competitor to do it safely. Performance and ease of use must both be considered during the design process.
Aircraft Brake Materials
Material choice for aircraft brakes can be a balancing act. Aircraft brake materials must be durable enough to withstand heat, pressure, vibration, and other forces. However, aerospace manufacturers must also be mindful of weight, since heavy materials affect the fuel economy and aerodynamics of the aircraft.
Some common materials used for aircraft brakes and landing gear include:
Metals
Disc brake rotors are often made from iron or steel. Brake linings also frequently contain metals and may be semi-metallic or sintered.
Rubber
Braking system hydraulics are operated with rubber components.
Carbon Fiber
Some aerospace manufacturers have started using carbon fiber as an alternative to traditional metals in aircraft braking systems. Carbon fiber is light, strong, durable, heat resistant, and can last a long time. As carbon fiber becomes less expensive, its popularity is expected to grow.
The Right Braking System for Your Aircraft
Designing and building the right braking system and landing gear for a given platform requires understanding both the aircraft and its anticipated service environment. The experts at NMG have years of experience in aircraft brake manufacturing and deep knowledge of the many variables to consider during the design process. From the early stages of ideation and design to material selection, manufacturing, and quality testing, NMG can support every step of the aircraft brake production process.
To learn more and discuss a project, talk to a member of our team.
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