Expert: Cal Taylor - 5/26/2008

Question
Cal, i am not sure if you can help me but your expertise seems most suitable.

I am from Australia about an hour north of Sydney.
I do engineering as a subject at school and i am currently in my final year.

My third and final Report of the year requires that i select a component or series of components from an aircraft to conduct my report on.

The component i have chosen is the landing gear.

I am struggling to find specific information on early aircraft landing gears and most particular the material used.

I am hoping you can help me or refer me to someone.

Thankyou in advance

Regards Joshua

Answer
Dear Joshua,

Thanks for a specific, clearly formulated question, which is something that earlier questions have not been. Landing gear is actually a subject that people have little apopreciation for, but one that involves lots of development.

Are you close to any aviation museums? I know that the Australian National Aviation Mujseum is way off in Melbourne (http://aarg.com.au/), but maybe there is something closer to you. It would be great if you had access to one of the old airplanes.

A valuable resource on aircraft is Flight Magazine, from England. Each issue has wonderful articles about an airplane, with very detailed cutaway drawings and text. ALso, I suggest picking a couple of well-known aircraft types, such as the SPAD, the DH Moth and the DC-3. There has been lots written aobut each one, so you should be able to find much detail about the lading gear. You can then prepare an analysis of developments in design techniques and materials used.

Also, see if you can find a local airframe and powerplant mechanic, to discuss landing gear. Though he might not be specifically cognizant of the old equipment, he could give you some information about the technical concerns of landing gear, such as shock absorption, tire scrubbing, braking (or none, and even drag considerations.

Good luck. I'd be interested in what you write.

Cal Taylor

firstfleet@aol.com