Basic question regarding landing wheel dimensions
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 297
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From: Orstralia
Basic question regarding landing wheel dimensions
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)?
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,581
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From: flyover country USA
Largely dependent on the surface you're operating from. A Super Cub or the like in Alaska or Yukon probably will have oversize balloon tires, low pressure/high flotation to avoid sinking in marshy soil.
