Introduction to Aircraft Brakes

Early aircraft didn’t have brakes, they weren’t necessarily needed because pilots were able to slow down an aircraft by using slower speeds, soft airfields, and the friction produced from the tail skid. However, as aircraft advanced and became faster and heavier, the need for brakes was quickly recognized. Nowadays, every aircraft is equipped with a type of braking system. They are often more complicated than a car’s braking system and they come in a multitude of options. 

Aircraft brakes are most commonly located on the main landing gear and the transmission of brake control input is through mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical linkages. Larger, heavier aircraft often use gear hydraulic pumps because they produce the required hydraulic fluid pressure and volume to safely slow the aircraft down. Not only did brakes become required over time, redundancy systems were eventually required to increase safety in case of primary failures. Large modern aircraft often have multiple independent hydraulic systems that are backed up by accumulators. There are different types and construction of aircraft brakes parts, single disc brakes, dual-disc brakes, multiple-disc brakes, segmented rotor-disc brakes, and carbon brakes.

Single disc brakes include a single disc keyed, or bolted, to each wheel. When the wheel rotates, the disc rotates. Non-rotating calipers are bolted to the landing gear axle flange. When pressure is applied, it is transferred from the calipers to the brake pads, which then utilize friction to slow down the disc and therefore the wheel. Single disc brakes include floating disc brakes and fixed-disc brakes. They are used on lighter aircraft.

When single disc brakes produce insufficient braking friction, dual-disc brakes are used. Multiple disc brakes are used on heavy aircraft because they create more friction and can bear heavier loads. Because friction generates heat, and heavier aircraft require more friction to slow down, slowing down a large aircraft produces excessive heat. This is the purpose of using segmented rotor-disc brakes, they aid in the control and dissipation of heat. Rotor-disc brakes are the most common brakes used on high performance and air carrier aircraft. One of the more modern braking systems is carbon brakes. They utilize the benefits of multiple disc brakes, but they specifically use carbon fiber materials to construct the brake rotors. The benefits include less weight, better heat dissipation, and longer wear.

At ASAP 360 Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the aircraft braking system parts you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap360unlimited.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.