AIR1494A Verification of Landing Gear Design Strength

Verification of landing gear design strength is accomplished by dynamic and static test programs. This is essentially a verification of the analytical procedures used to design the gear. An industry survey was recently conducted to determine just what analysis and testing are currently being applied to landing gear. Timing in relation to first flight of new aircraft was also questioned. Opinions were solicited from designers of the following categories and/or types of aircraft:

1. a
   Military - Large Land Based (Bomber)
2. b
   Military - Small Land Based (Fighter)
3. c
   Military - Carrier Based (Navy)
4. d
   Military - Helicopter (Large)
5. e
   Military - Helicopter (Small-attack)
6. f
   Commercial - Large (Airliner)
7. g
   Commercial - Small (Business)
8. h
   USAF (WPAFB) - Recommendations

It is the objective of this AIR to present a summary of these responses. It is hoped that this summary will be useful to designers as a guide and/or check list in establishing criteria for landing gear analysis and test.