Release date : 2021-02-04

What goes up must come down

Bringing at aircraft down to the runway is only part of the challenge. It is not over until the aircraft parked at gate. In order to do this, there are a number of systems for slowing the aircraft down.

Stopping a 200-tonne aircraft landing requires a lot of braking force. To do this, there is one brake unit on each of the eight wheels on the main gear assembly. This system works fine, but the pipes and actuators that form this part of the hydraulic system come at a considerable weight and what this means,  is that extra weight more fuel burn, which in turn increases costs and carbon emissions.

What if the brakes could be powered a different way?

Electric brakes can saves up to 111 kg. and because of electrical wiring it is much easier and quicker to change the brake units when needed. Smart features also allow engineers to monitor the brake performance more closely, giving a real-time measurement of wear on the carbon disks.

Bringing an aircraft to a safe stop is the most important part of a flight. In order to do this, pilots have a number of “helping hand”, anti-skid protection, autobrake, brake temperature indication, parking brake. In addition to the brakes, spoilers and reverse thrust.

The brakes endure the most of the hard work with the spoilers and reverse thrust helping to ensure maximum efficiency. The autobrake system helps keep the deceleration nice and smooth whilst the anti-skid system reduces the distances needed to stop from skidding.