What Is an Aircraft Axle Assembly?
An aircraft axle assembly is a set of components that connect the aircraft’s wheels – and in most cases, the brake assembly – to the landing gear. On a nosewheel or tailwheel, the axle connects only the wheel, since these positions do not include braking capability. As a subset of the landing gear, the axle assembly plays a vital role in enabling ground movement and supporting the aircraft during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
What Is the Difference Between Front and Rear Aircraft Axle Assemblies?
While front and rear axles serve similar purposes in terms of supporting the aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, the primary difference is in function.
Front Aircraft Axles
The primary function of the nosewheel or tailwheel assembly is steering, though it may also support a small percentage of the aircraft’s weight. The front axle is integrated with the nosewheel assembly, so the pilot can steer the aircraft on the runway.
Rear Aircraft Axles
An aircraft’s rear axle enables several important functions, including weight bearing and braking. The rear axle assembly in larger aircraft often uses a bogie beam to support multiple axles and distribute the weight of the aircraft between multiple wheels.
What to Consider When Choosing an Aircraft Axle Assembly
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing the right aircraft axle assembly for your plane, from basic specifications to ease of accessibility for maintenance and service.
Compatibility with Your Aircraft
The first step to choosing the right axle for your aircraft is assessing basic compatibility. Mostly, this refers to dimensions and specifications, such as axle spacing and other measurements. Basic dimensional fitting and compatibility is critical to ensuring proper function of the aircraft axle.
Load Rating and Weight Capacity
Another critical factor to assess when choosing an aircraft axle assembly is the axle’s load rating and weight capacity. The axle assembly must be able to support the static weight of the aircraft while idling and taxiing. The assembly must also be able to support the additional, often substantial load generated by takeoff and landing. Takeoff and landing put considerable additional load on the aircraft’s landing gear, including the axle assembly. Choosing an axle assembly that can withstand the increased load is key to achieving a smooth, safe takeoff and landing every time.
Material and Construction Quality
An aircraft axle assembly made up of many different components: axle nuts, washers, cotter pins, brake plate mounting hardware, and more. While some of these components may be more shielded from the elements than others, based on their location within the assembly, virtually all of them will come into regular, extended contact with dust, debris, precipitation, and corrosive materials while in service. For this reason, it is vital to choose an aircraft axle assembly made from quality materials that are durable and corrosion resistant. Opting for black anodized steel, yellow zinc, and other materials that can withstand the elements while reliably performing their intended function can extend the lifespan of aircraft axle components.
Maintenance and Serviceability
The final factor to assess when choosing an aircraft axle assembly is ease of installation, maintenance, and serviceability. Some axle assemblies are designed to be highly accessible for convenient, efficient maintenance and repairs, which offers the benefits of less downtime and the freedom for aircraft owners to handle more maintenance tasks themselves. Others require a more involved approach, since components may be more difficult to access. This largely comes down to personal preference. Some owners are very passionate about performing their own maintenance and may have a strong preference for accessibility and ease, while others are happy to outsource those tasks to a professional.
Shop Matco ALS Axle Assemblies
Ready to choose the perfect aircraft axle assembly for your plane? Matco ALS is an experienced manufacturer of aircraft parts, including aircraft axle assemblies for homebuilt aircraft, with an emphasis on quality materials and competitive pricing.
All of our aircraft axle assemblies components are machined by experienced technicians at our facility in Utah. We use strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure reliable performance and a long service life. Our aluminum axles are black anodized and our steel axles are yellow zinc.
You can count on Matco ALS to help you choose the right aircraft axle assembly for your homebuilt plane, based on your needs and preferences. From helpful tools on our website to friendly phone support from our knowledgeable team, we strive to provide the resources you need to make confident aircraft part purchasing decisions and outfit your plane with the right assembly for you.
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