Wiktor Wise
The first retractable landing gears were introduced just after World War I, but they didn't become common until the mid-1930s. Initially, these gears were hand-cranked or operated by heavy electric motors. In 1937, the O-ring was introduced, making simple hydraulic systems practical for retracting wheels. Today, most retractable landing gear systems are hydraulically operated, but some are electrically operated, particularly on very light aircraft. The electrification of aircraft systems, including nose landing gear, is an area of ongoing development, with the potential to reduce weight, cost, and assembly time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of electric landing gear | Electric landing gear was first introduced after World War I, becoming more common in the mid-1930s. Initially, they were hand-cranked or used heavy electric motors. |
| Benefits of electric landing gear | Electrifying the actuation and functions of the nose landing gear can result in weight and cost savings, improved simplicity, and reduced assembly time compared to conventional hydraulic systems. |
| Technical challenges | Challenges include power density of actuators, risk of jamming (especially during free-fall extension), and issues with shimmy damping behaviour. |
| Recent developments | The Electrical Nose Landing Gear System demonstrator aims to electrify the nose landing gear, exploring electro-hydrostatic actuation and local power generation. Delayed by COVID-19, the final demo was rescheduled for the end of 2021. |
| Weight savings | Additional weight savings are investigated through the use of lightweight composites, with a potential 20% mass reduction for certain components. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric landing gear was first introduced in the mid-1930s
- The system was developed to reduce weight, cost and assembly time
- It is mainly used for nose landing gear
- The technology has faced challenges around power density and the risk of jamming
- The COVID-19 pandemic delayed testing of the electrical nose landing gear system
Electric landing gear was first introduced in the mid-1930s
The history of aircraft landing gear is closely tied to the evolution of aviation technology. The introduction of electric landing gear in the mid-1930s marked a significant advancement in this field, revolutionizing the way aircraft operated and paving the way for more efficient and streamlined flight.
Initially, aircraft landing gear was a relatively simple affair, with most planes during World War I featuring fixed wheels on a common axle held by struts. However, as aviation technology progressed, designers and engineers sought to improve performance and efficiency by reducing drag. This led to the development of retractable landing gear, which first appeared just after World War I.
Retractable landing gear offered the advantage of reducing drag during flight, resulting in improved performance and higher cruising speeds. However, it also presented several challenges. One of the primary obstacles was the power required to retract the landing gear. Early attempts at retractable gear were hand-cranked, but this method was laborious and time-consuming.
The mid-1930s saw the introduction of electric landing gear as a solution to this problem. Heavy electric motors were employed to power the retraction and extension of the landing gear, marking a significant advancement in aircraft technology. Manufacturers such as Boeing and Lockheed embraced this innovation, incorporating retractable gear into their commercial planes. By the late 1930s, the introduction of the O-ring further revolutionized retractable landing gear systems, making hydraulic power a practical option.
The adoption of electric and hydraulic landing gear systems improved the functionality and performance of aircraft. Electric motors, in combination with hydraulic pumps, allowed for the smooth retraction and extension of landing gear, enhancing the overall efficiency of aircraft operations. This technology has since become a standard feature in modern aviation, with various aircraft utilizing electric-motor-powered landing gear systems, including the Beech Bonanzas and Barons, and the Piper PA-28R Cherokee Arrow models. The introduction of electric landing gear in the mid-1930s played a pivotal role in shaping the course of aviation, enabling advancements in aircraft design and contributing to the enhanced performance and functionality of aircraft we see today.
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The system was developed to reduce weight, cost and assembly time
The development of electric landing gear systems is closely tied to the evolution of aircraft landing gear, which has progressed from fixed wheels to retractable gear configurations. Retractable landing gear offers the advantage of reduced drag, enabling faster airspeeds, but introduces complexities in weight, cost, and maintenance.
The system was developed to address these challenges and improve overall efficiency. By replacing hydraulic systems with electric motors, the weight of the aircraft can be significantly reduced. Electric landing gear is generally lighter than its hydraulic counterpart, contributing to enhanced aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. This weight reduction is particularly crucial in the nose landing gear system, which resides in the forward fuselage section and significantly impacts the aircraft's overall weight distribution and balance.
Cost efficiency is another key factor in the development of electric landing gear systems. Hydraulic systems often require complex networks of pipes, pumps, and actuators, which can be costly to manufacture and maintain. In contrast, electric landing gear relies on electrical energy and motors, which can be more affordable and easier to maintain. The use of a single electro-motor-pump, as opposed to multiple components in conventional hydraulic systems, further reduces costs and simplifies the assembly process.
Additionally, electric landing gear systems aim to minimize assembly time. By reducing the number of components and simplifying the system, electric landing gear can be more easily integrated into the aircraft during manufacturing or retrofitting. This streamlined assembly process can shorten production timelines and reduce labour costs.
Moreover, electric landing gear systems offer the advantage of reduced maintenance requirements. Electric motors tend to have longer intervals between overhauls compared to hydraulic systems, resulting in lower maintenance costs and less downtime for the aircraft. This improved maintenance profile contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness and reliability of electric landing gear.
In conclusion, the development of electric landing gear systems is driven by the need to reduce weight, cost, and assembly time associated with traditional hydraulic landing gear. By utilizing electric motors and simplifying the system, aircraft manufacturers can achieve weight reduction, cost savings, and improved assembly processes, ultimately enhancing the performance and efficiency of their aircraft.
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It is mainly used for nose landing gear
Landing gear is the undercarriage of an aircraft that supports the craft when it is not flying, enabling it to take off, land, and taxi without damage. Wheeled landing gear is the most common, but skis, floats, and skids are also used depending on the surface from which the aircraft operates.
The first retractable landing gears appeared just after World War I, but they did not become common until the mid-1930s. Early retractable landing gear was hand-cranked, then driven by heavy electric motors, and finally, in 1937, by simple hydraulic systems.
The nose landing gear (NLG) is a critical component of the landing gear system, and its steering function is the most challenging to design. The development of electro-hydrostatic actuation (EHA) and local power generation has enabled the electrification of the nose landing gear, presenting the opportunity for significant savings and performance improvements.
The Electrical Nose Landing Gear System demonstrator explores the possibilities of electrifying the actuation and functions of the nose landing gear. By relying on a single electro-motor-pump to supply all consumers associated with the nose gear, the system can be potentially lighter, simpler, and lower in cost. This innovative electro-hydraulic system also offers increased reliability and industrial benefits.
The application of EHA technology to the nose landing gear combines steering and extension/retraction functions, providing a more efficient and reliable solution. While there are technical challenges associated with electromechanical actuation on landing gear, the benefits of EHA technology are expected to impact future aviation significantly.
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The technology has faced challenges around power density and the risk of jamming
The development of electric landing gear has faced several challenges, primarily relating to power density and the risk of jamming. While electric landing gear offers the opportunity for significant savings, the challenges associated with electromechanical actuation on landing gears cannot be overlooked.
One of the main challenges is power density. Electric landing gear relies on actuators to function, and ensuring sufficient power density to operate these actuators efficiently is crucial. Insufficient power density can lead to reduced performance and potential failures. Additionally, the risk of jamming is a significant concern. Jamming can occur during free-fall extension, compromising the safety and reliability of the landing gear. This risk is particularly prominent in electromechanical systems.
To address these challenges, researchers have explored the use of electro-hydrostatic actuation (EHA). EHA combines the benefits of hydraulic cylinders with the advantages of electrical systems, resulting in high power density and improved damping characteristics. This technology has been successfully applied to nose landing gear, where it provides independent steering, extension, and retraction functions. The development of the Electro Hydrostatic Actuator (EHA) for Nose Landing Gear (NLG) has been a significant achievement, offering increased efficiency, reliability, and reduced weight.
However, challenges remain, especially concerning nose wheel steering. The nose wheel steering function is complex and susceptible to issues such as shimmy damping behaviour, where juddering of the nose wheel on the runway can occur. This issue is typically addressed using shimmy dampers with hydraulic fluid or a rubber/lubricant combination. Nevertheless, the risk of jamming persists and requires further mitigation strategies.
The challenges of power density and jamming in electric landing gear systems have driven innovations such as EHA and improvements in nose landing gear design. While progress has been made, ongoing research and development are necessary to enhance power density, mitigate the risk of jamming, and ensure the safety and reliability of electric landing gear systems.
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The COVID-19 pandemic delayed testing of the electrical nose landing gear system
The electrical nose landing gear system is an innovative approach to landing gear design, aiming to reduce weight and improve efficiency. Traditionally, hydraulic power has been used to operate nose landing gear. However, integrating the hydraulic system often fails to achieve weight savings, especially when considering the nose landing gear in isolation.
To address this challenge, the electrical nose landing gear system employs electro-hydrostatic actuation (EHA) technology. EHA offers several advantages, including reduced weight, operational reliability, and industrial benefits. By minimizing the use of hydraulic components, the system simplifies the design and reduces overall aircraft weight.
The electrical nose landing gear system utilizes a single electro-motor-pump to supply power to the nose gear, which can have its own independent hydraulic circuit. This design not only reduces weight but also provides greater control over pressure levels and flow direction, enabling new system concepts.
Despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is on track to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 at the system level by 2024. TRL 6 will focus on testing the steering function as the most critical aspect of the electrical nose landing gear system. With the revised timetable, the team is working towards fulfilling safety requirements and advancing the electrification of aviation systems.
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