AboutCal Taylor Expertise Questions about the Douglas C-133 Cargomaster, its history, operations and technical information. I wrote and published the definitive history of the C-133, Remembering an Unsung Giant: The Douglas C-133 Cargomaster and Its People. Someone has done a good job of extractinig material from my book for the article about the C-133 on AllEx[perts.
Experience I accrued 1,837 hours as a C-133 navigator out of a total of 6,738 flying hours in the USAF. Twelve years of that time were as a crew member, the other years were in various training assignments and as a USAF intelligence officer. My flying experience includes time in the B-52H, C-141, C-133, AC-130, C-130 and the C-5A.
Organizations Air Force Association, Civil Air Patrol, Military Officers Association of America, National Association of Uniformed Services, Vasa Order of America
Publications Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society; Warbirds publication of the Experimental Aircraft Association; Quarterly of the Jimmie Doolittle Museum, Travis AFB, CA
Education/Credentials BA, HIstory; MA, Asian Studies; MA, Management
Awards and Honors Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, other military decorations
Expert: Cal Taylor Date: 5/26/2008 Subject: landing gear/under carrage
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.
