Performance Testing of an Electrically Actuated Aircraft Braking System

The concept of utilizing an electrically actuated aircraft braking system could result in greater fire safety, the elimination of centralized hydraulics, and compatibility with an all-electric aircraft. Using the Air Force A-10 as a test bed, the first fully functional electric brake was laboratory tested, qualified, and installed on an aircraft for testing. On-aircraft testing was curtailed due to a dynamic instability between the brake and landing gear. An extensive laboratory dynamometer test program was substituted. The prototype electric brake demonstrated performance nearly equivalent to the production hydraulic brake with a potential for more accurate torque control.