Fixed landing gear

Definition

Fixed landing gear refers to a type of aircraft undercarriage that is permanently attached to the airframe and does not retract during flight. This design is often simpler and more robust than retractable systems, making it ideal for certain aircraft types, particularly those used for training or short-range operations. Fixed landing gear contributes to the overall weight, drag, and structural integrity of the aircraft.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fixed landing gear is typically heavier than retractable systems due to its permanent structure, but this weight can provide stability on the ground.
2. The drag created by fixed landing gear can impact overall aircraft performance, particularly speed and fuel efficiency, but is often acceptable for specific mission profiles.
3. This type of landing gear is easier to maintain since there are no moving parts or complex mechanisms involved in deployment.
4. Many light aircraft, such as trainers and general aviation planes, utilize fixed landing gear for its simplicity and reliability.
5. Fixed landing gear designs can include various configurations like tricycle or tailwheel setups, depending on the aircraft's intended use.

Review Questions

• How does fixed landing gear impact the overall design and performance of an aircraft?
  • Fixed landing gear affects an aircraft's design by adding weight and influencing its drag characteristics. While this type of gear is generally more robust and simpler to maintain than retractable systems, it can reduce aerodynamic efficiency, which may limit the maximum speed and range of the aircraft. However, for many light and training aircraft, the benefits of durability and ease of use outweigh the downsides of increased drag.
• Compare fixed landing gear with retractable landing gear in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
  • Fixed landing gear has advantages such as lower maintenance costs, increased structural integrity, and greater reliability due to fewer moving parts. However, it creates more aerodynamic drag compared to retractable landing gear, which can negatively affect performance by reducing speed and fuel efficiency. On the other hand, while retractable landing gear improves aerodynamic performance by reducing drag during flight, it involves more complexity and potential points of failure requiring regular maintenance.
• Evaluate how different types of fixed landing gear configurations influence aircraft stability and operational capabilities.
  • Different configurations of fixed landing gear, such as tricycle or tailwheel designs, significantly impact aircraft stability during takeoff and landing. Tricycle gear enhances stability by distributing weight evenly and providing better ground handling characteristics, making it easier for pilots to control during taxiing and landings. Tailwheel configurations are generally lighter but can lead to challenges in ground handling due to their tendency to tip over if not managed properly. Therefore, the choice of fixed landing gear configuration influences both operational capabilities and pilot training requirements.

Related terms

retractable landing gear: A type of landing gear that can be stowed within the aircraft structure during flight to reduce aerodynamic drag.

tricycle landing gear: A configuration of landing gear that consists of two main wheels at the rear and a single nose wheel at the front, enhancing stability during takeoff and landing.

tailwheel landing gear: A landing gear configuration with two main wheels in the front and a smaller wheel or skid at the tail, commonly used in older aircraft designs.