Bogie-beams distribute A/C weight more evenly, via generally
4 mainwheels as opposed to one or two.
Wheels and brake units can be made smaller, hence lighter.
More brakes = better stopping distances.
Hope that helps.
PS. 8 twin tyred wheels on the Vulcan. Total of 18 tyres.
Bit like the 747, but smaller. And only 2 Main landing gears.
The DC 8 early aircraft also had a "swivelling" bogie-beam.
Unlocked on tight turns to ease stress on beam and wheels.
Down-side was they regularly broke.
What do you mean by"Torque limited"?
Practically all brakes have speed sensors to prevent skidding
by overpressurizing the brake units by controlling the hydraulic
pressure entering the brake units. Judged by sensing wheel speed
and rate of change of wheel speed.
Cheers, Norm.
Last edited by Storminnorm; 3rd Jul 2009 at 15:13.