RJM
4th Mar 2010, 20:23
I have a basic question about landing wheel diameters for light aircraft on which I am hoping the experts here may throw some light.
It seems that wheels and tyres have reduced in diameter (ie rim diam or tyre ext diam) since the Wright Flyer - even comparing the Avro 540K with a Tiger Moth.
I appreciate that there may be different design parameters for tricycle v taildragger design. I have thought of drag, taxing visibility, cushioning ability, cost and angle of attack being considerations. Some light aircraft land virtually on a small pneumatic rollers versus either a tyre of larger diam or x-section.
What are the performance or other penalties for large diameter landing wheels (or large x section tyres)?
It seems that wheels and tyres have reduced in diameter (ie rim diam or tyre ext diam) since the Wright Flyer - even comparing the Avro 540K with a Tiger Moth.
I appreciate that there may be different design parameters for tricycle v taildragger design. I have thought of drag, taxing visibility, cushioning ability, cost and angle of attack being considerations. Some light aircraft land virtually on a small pneumatic rollers versus either a tyre of larger diam or x-section.
What are the performance or other penalties for large diameter landing wheels (or large x section tyres)?