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Aircraft Tires and Brakes: Assemblies Built to Handle Extreme Stress
From the rapid acceleration of takeoff to the instant an aircraft touches down, brakes and tires are largely responsible for facilitating controlled movement on the ground. Their construction is far more complex than that of automotive equivalents, as they need to handle the weight of an aircraft and all that it carries, manage tremendous kinetic energy, and respond reliably under various environmental conditions. In this blog, we will examine the distinct roles aircraft brakes and tires serve, touching on the essential aspects of their designs that allow them to endure the stresses of ground operations while upholding the highest standards of safety and performance.
Aircraft Tires
Basic Construction
Aircraft tires are typically bias-ply, meaning that they are constructed with layers of fabric cords placed at alternating angles. This results in greater resistance to deformation and better control during high-load conditions in comparison to automotive radial tires, which instead feature cords running perpendicular to the direction of travel.
The cords–usually made of nylon or aramid fiber–are then encased in a thick, durable rubber compound. With this layered construction, aircraft tires can effortlessly handle the extreme pressures and rapid temperature changes that occur from friction on the runway. Additionally, reinforced bead sections and inner liners are often included to help maintain structural shape under high inflation pressures.
Regarding their surface design, aircraft tires tend to have circumferential tread grooves that run in line with their rotation. This configuration primarily serves to channel water away from the contact patch during wet runway conditions to reduce the risk of hydroplaning, as well as assist with even heat dissipation.
Inflation Requirements
Aircraft tires must be precisely inflated to perform correctly, as even minor variations in pressure can affect landing stability, braking performance, and overall ground handling. The required pressure depends on an aircraft’s size, weight, and operational needs; for instance, larger or faster models demand higher inflation levels to support greater loads. As such, tire pressure tends to range between 150 to 200 psi for commercial aircraft, sometimes exceeding 300 psi in certain high-performance or heavy-duty models.
Placement and Aircraft Type Considerations
The placement and number of tires on an aircraft is also determined by its size, weight, and intended operational profile. Smaller general aviation aircraft typically feature a tricycle landing gear configuration, with one nose wheel and two main wheels. On the other hand, wide-body jets like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 may have main gear configurations with six or more wheels per bogie to distribute weight more evenly. Meanwhile the Antonov An-225 has as many as 32 wheels to accommodate extraordinary payloads.
Most aircraft have their main landing gear positioned under the wings or fuselage to facilitate balanced weight distribution. However, certain military jets and specialized aircraft may use fuselage-mounted gear or tandem configurations to support unique aerodynamic profiles, payload considerations, or structural constraints.
Retreading Capabilities
Many commercial aircraft tires are designed to be retreaded multiple times, with some casings able to undergo seven or more retread cycles. During the retreading process, the tire is thoroughly inspected for internal and external damage, the worn tread is removed through a precision buffing process, and a new tread layer is bonded to the casing using heat and pressure. As a result, the service life of the tire casing is extended, more raw materials are conserved, and maintenance is more cost-effective.
Aircraft Brakes
Brake Types and System Architecture
Most modern aircraft utilize multi-disc brake assemblies, which are alternating stacks of rotating and stationary discs housed within a compact unit on the main landing gear wheels. The rotating discs are connected to the wheel, while the stationary discs are fixed to the axle or brake housing. When the brake is engaged, hydraulic or electro-hydraulic actuators press the discs together, creating friction that slows and eventually stops the wheel’s rotation.
Carbon brakes are the most widely adopted option today, as their carbon composite materials provide superior heat absorption, reduced weight, and a significantly longer service life compared to traditional steel alternatives. Although steel brakes are still found on some older or smaller aircraft, they are heavier, wear more quickly, and are less capable of withstanding high thermal loads. In contrast, carbon brake systems can endure temperatures upwards of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pilot Involvement and Automation
Although pilots initiate braking via rudder pedals or toe brakes, many functions are increasingly being automated through brake control units (BCUs). These units can process sensor data to regulate brake pressure, modulate anti-skid performance, and apply temperature-based protections.
For example, autobrake systems uphold a preset deceleration rate after landing, allowing pilots to focus on other critical tasks. In emergencies such as a rejected takeoff, the system can automatically apply maximum braking to stop the aircraft quickly and safely. Meanwhile, the anti-skid system adjusts hydraulic pressure in real time to prevent wheel lockup, enhancing traction, reducing stopping distances, and improving directional control.
BCUs also support differential braking, which involves applying varied brake force across landing gear wheels to aid ground steering. This is especially valuable for aircraft without steerable nose wheels, improving their maneuverability in tight or congested areas.
Ensure Dependable Tire and Brake Performance with Quality Parts
Given their imperative contributions to aircraft operations, any failure with brakes and tires can have severe consequences. As such, these components must be obtained from dependable, industry-compliant sources. For all the aviation-grade tires, brakes, and other landing gear components you require, ASAP Semiconductor offers unrivaled access through its online platform, Internet of Purchasing.
With access to thousands of high-performance components from leading manufacturers, along with curated procurement solutions available upon request, customers can confidently address standard and highly specialized operational needs alike when sourcing through this website. This capability is further strengthened by our commitment to competitive pricing and prompt order fulfillment. Taking this into account, do not hesitate to check out our database and get in touch with our experts to see how we can benefit your operations.