Braking
In theory only!
The use of regenerative braking on the rail system depends on being able to return the power to the supply network. In an a/c, despite the large electrical loads, I agree it could be a non-starter.
Any braking action would be in concert with the main bogeys and forces would be no larger than already imparted on the structure than conventional brakes.
As an example (
this would not work in the a/c case) most high speed trains whan braking, first use the regenerative brakes and gradually blend in the conventional brakes as speed reduces - it's about how clever the automation is!
Most electrical motors can operate as a generator with no weight penalty, again it's all in the control equipment
(some windfarms are motors, when required to generate they run up to nearly synchronous speed as a motor the wind then accelerates them to synchronous speed which turns them into a generator)
Not very detailed but I hope this gives an idea of the principle.
The heat dump idea would be the resistive braking mentioned by me earlier - a non-started (or stopper!!!)
The design sketch in the early part of the thread is reminisent of the basic design of a linear motor (I could be way off beam here) that has been rolled up
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_motor
The Maglev trains use electrical braking as their sole means of stopping by control of the motor.
Again only theory from an electrical view point
Of course, to comply with best practice, will a/c fitted with this system also be fitted with reversing lights & an audible warning "CAUTION THIS AIRCRAFT IS REVERSING"
That's a joke by the way
