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Thread: Reverse Thrust
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Old 23rd Dec 2005, 11:36
  #7 (permalink)  
zerozero
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
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At the risk of sounding pedantic...

...the term "braking action" refers specifically to how much traction the tires can manage on a given surface.

It would be a true statement to say there is "aerodynamic" braking and "mechanical" braking, but even aerodynamic braking refers to the drag produced by the "flaring" of the aircraft and not so much the reverse thrust of the engine.

I think the term you're looking for might be along the lines of "effect of deceleration".

The truth of the matter is this: Reverse thrust is more effective at high speeds and wheel brakes are more effective at slow speeds. So in reality, on a normal landing, most of the deceleration just after touchdown is thanks to the reverse thrust (no brakes). But later in the landing roll, most of the slowing is thanks to the wheel brakes (stow the reversers).

I hope that makes sense.
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