OVERVIEW

This chapter provides the designer with requirements relating to landing gear design. No attempt is made to define detail requirements on parts that are normally provided by vendors, e.g., size and placement of part numbers on wheels, their surface finish, or types of bearings. Also, the source of a requirement is not given whenever it is considered to be acceptable internationally and by both military and civil authorities. In a few cases, U.S. Navy requirements are peculiar and these are noted; also British requirements are slightly different in some areas and these too are highlighted.

Although it is sometimes necessary for cost, weight, and schedule reasons to meet only the requirements of the first customer, it is often beneficial to design the aircraft to meet other customers' requirements and/or international requirements. This allows follow-on sales of a commerical vehicle, for instance, or a derivative of it to military customers or to foreign countries. The penalties paid are often minor if these requirements are considered initially.

As an example, some agencies require the main landing gears to be interchangeable left and right. This is obviously a benefit, so the feature should be incorporated whenever possible, whether it is required or not.

The specifications cited in this chapter are listed in Chapter 15.

4.1 ABBREVIATIONS