Structural Considerations of Steel Landing Gear Springs

Aircraft produced by Cessna have, for a number of years, used steel landing gear springs as the major portion of the aircraft main or tail landing gears. These steel springs are relatively simple in design and manufacture, and have proved to be durable.

This paper discusses some of the factors involved in the design of a spring steel landing gear, analysis methods, and design goals used at Cessna. Certification requirements and methods of compliance for landing gears are also discussed. The analysis methods employed have been proved acceptable by the ability of the gears to pass certification tests without modification, and by service experience.