HYDRAULICS Swaging is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and performance of landing gear assemblies, helping to reduce operational risks and minimise costly repairs. Landing gear accounts for approximately 20% of total aircraft maintenance and around 7% of the total weight of modern commercial aircraft. When an aircraft lands, the landing gear must support the entire weight of the aircraft, which ranges from around 64,500kg for an Airbus A320 to approximately 201,800kg for a Boeing 777. In addition to handling vertical loads, the landing gear must also manage horizontal forces generated by the aircraft’s forward motion. During landing, it must absorb significant impact energy, especially in hard or emergency landings. This requires the use of materials and designs capable of dissipating energy effectively while avoiding structural failure. Specialist suppliers Landing gear is typically manufactured by specialist suppliers, who provide components to major aircraft manufacturers. This is due to the highly specialised nature of landing gear and shock absorption technologies, which differ from other aspects of aviation. Beyond impact absorption, landing gear systems must also ensure stability and control on the ground, as aircraft often encounter varying conditions such as uneven or slippery surfaces and crosswinds. The design must allow the aircraft to maintain directional control during taxiing, take-off, and landing, even under adverse weather conditions. Modern landing gear systems incorporate features like shock absorbers, anti-skid braking systems, and steering mechanisms, all working together to prevent the aircraft from veering off the runway or skidding. These systems are crucial for ensuring passenger safety and minimising wear on tyres and other components. Furthermore, landing gear designs must consider weight and space constraints, as fuel efficiency plays a significant role in overall aircraft performance. To achieve this, landing gear must be lightweight yet strong, often using advanced materials such as titanium alloys or high-strength composites. Additionally, the landing gear must be retractable to reduce aerodynamic drag during flight, requiring complex mechanical systems to ensure reliable extension and retraction. Balancing strength, stability, and weight efficiency while integrating the landing gear into the aircraft’s overall design makes this one of the most challenging aspects of aircraft engineering. Precision bearings and tooling equipment Specialist bearings are vital to the advanced landing gear systems used in modern aircraft, particularly in components such as struts and actuators. Carter Manufacturing, an approved supplier to major landing gear manufacturers, provides aerospace bearings and tooling solutions designed to meet the sector’s high standards. The company holds accreditations including Aircraft landing gear systems are essential engineering components, designed to withstand the demanding forces encountered during take-off, landing, and ground operations. One critical aspect of maintaining these systems involves the use of precision swaging tools, which play a significant role in securing key components such as bearings and housings. H&P reports. 24 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk The role of swaging tools in supporting aircraft landing gear systems ISO 9001, AS9120, and AS9100. In addition to bearings, Carter develops custom aerospace bearing tools, addressing challenges such as clearance restrictions, flight control maintenance, and production efficiency. The company says its tooling solutions are tailored to specific applications and draw on an wide catalogue of established designs. Carter highlights that its swaging tools are precision-engineered to fit specific landing gear bearings, significantly reducing operational risks and costs. These tools help prevent damage to expensive bearings and housings. For certain applications, where customers prefer not to use portable tools, Carter’s drill press-style swaging tools offer a superior alternative to traditional anvil staking tools. The swaging force required is much lower than staking, improving the overall quality of the swage. For more information please visit: Bearings: https://www.carterbearings.co.uk/ industries/aerospace Tools: https://www.carterbearings.co.uk/ aerospace-bearing-tools
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