Airbus A320 question(!!!)
 

No, not that one!!!

Just wondered why the nosewheel strut on A319/20/21 series A/C is angled slightly forwards when down?
On all other A/C it is 'straight' i.e. 90 degrees to fuselage.

Surely this makes it harder to 'lock' down and more stress on strut? Or is it easier to retract?

Or does it just look nice to frenchman? :) :)

Look forwards to interesting answers and abusive gibberish!

A320 is NOT a French aircraft! :-)
I think nosewheel thingy must have something to do with better steering behaviour. A lot of light GA aircraft have it as well. It makes the nosewheel "turn along" in the bends, so that it needs less power to operate. A bit like balanced flight controls...

A forward angle on the nosewheel strut gives better steering and directional control. Have a look at the front forks on a bike and youll get the picture.

It is mostly French with a bit of German British and a few others thrown in.The 320 is built in Toulouse as is the 340.The 321 is built in Germany (I think) as is the 319.

Guards against nose wheel shimmy. The nose gear is Aerospatiale design responsibility and is manufactured by Messier.
A319's are also assembled in Hamburg.

Hope that helps.

Thanks chaps, all v interesting.

So having the nose strut angled forwards helps in steering?
Yes, I can appreciate that, but surely there must be a penalty here. The locking mechanism must have to take more wieght on it than if the nose wheel was at 90 degrees?

I KNOW it isn't a French aircraft (although they seem to think it is......) - just wondered how many would rise to the bait!! :) :) :)

Keep those postcards coming in!!!!!