Aircraft Brakes: Types, Uses, and Control

The disc brake system is one of the most common types of airplane brakes. They function similarly to those that are present within automobiles, but are much more heavy duty due to aircraft conditions and operations. A disc brake slows down the rotation of an aircraft wheel by pressing pads against the spinning disc with the use of calipers. As pressure increases from the calipers and pads, friction is generated which causes disc rotation to slow down until it reaches a complete stop and is held in place. Often, an aircraft brake system such as the disc brake is actuated with the use of hydraulic controls. While disc brakes are useful for ground operations, friction is dependent on weight and thus such brake types can do little to slow an aircraft while they are in flight.

When an aircraft is in flight and needs to slow its speed, whether for landing or other operations, the pilot may use spoilers and reverse thrusting. Spoilers are flaps that are present on the end of wings and are deployed to increase drag while reducing lift. This causes the aircraft to lose velocity and slow down. Reverse thrusters, meanwhile, are used to direct the exhaust and propulsive forces of combusted gas forward to slow down the aircraft. With both the spoilers and reverse thrusters, strain and stress is also taken off of the wheels, allowing for more efficient braking while reducing wear on the wheels.

To actuate the aircraft brake system, pilots utilize rudder pedals which are connected to mechanical and hydraulic systems. Oftentimes, there are a left and right pedal, allowing the pilot to either activate the brakes on the left or right side of the aircraft. Spoilers are self activated, controlled by a computer that operates them as needed, such as when the wheels make contact with the ground during landing operations. Reverse thrust is also activated automatically during landing operations, though they may also be operated manually with the use of thrust levers within the cockpit.

When it comes time to begin sourcing the disc brake and aircraft wheel components that you need for your next project or operation, NSN Axis has you covered with everything you are searching for. NSN Axis is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aircraft brake system parts and other aerospace components that 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. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@nsnaxis.com or call us at +1-269-264-4495.