Airplanes primarily stop when they land using wheel brakes.
Wheel Brakes: The Primary Stopping Force
The most significant method airplanes use to slow down after landing involves the aircraft's wheel brakes, similar to those in a car but much larger and more powerful. These brakes are crucial for stopping the aircraft effectively on the runway.
- How they work: These brakes use friction to slow down the wheels, which in turn slows the aircraft.
- Strength: They are designed to handle the high speeds and weight of the landing aircraft.
- Control: Pilots use the brake pedals to control the braking force.
Supplemental Stopping Methods
While the wheel brakes are the most important method, airplanes also use other techniques to assist in stopping:
- Ground Spoilers (Dumping Lift):
- These are panels on the wings that are deployed immediately upon touchdown.
- Their main function is to disrupt the airflow over the wings, which reduces lift.
- Reducing lift places more weight on the wheels, increasing the effectiveness of the brakes.
- Reverse Thrust:
- Some aircraft use reverse thrust on the engines to help slow down.
- This is accomplished by redirecting the engine's thrust forward.
- While helpful, it's considered a secondary method, and aircraft are not allowed to use reverse thrust when calculating landing distance.
Summary Table
| Method | Description | Primary/Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Brakes | Main braking system using friction on the wheels. | Primary |
| Ground Spoilers | Reduce lift to increase weight on wheels for better braking. | Secondary |
| Reverse Thrust | Engine thrust redirected forward to help slow down. | Secondary |
In Conclusion
Airplanes rely on a combination of wheel brakes, ground spoilers, and sometimes reverse thrust to stop safely after landing. However, the main stopping force comes from the powerful wheel braking system.
