Eli5: How do the brakes on commercial aircraft work during landing
In: 14
Most commercial planes will use up to three different types of brakes to stop them on landing.
The first are aerodynamic brakes – on landing flaps will open up on the wings to create aerodynamic drag to slow down the plane. Think of a slightly neater version of a drag car deploying a parachute behind it.
Second there are also engine/thrust brakes – by reversing the engines or using movable panels to redirect the thrust you can basically make the engine work backwards to slow the plane down.
Lastly they have friction brakes that work like the ones you have on a car or bicycle – there is a braking surface attached to the wheel, and when you want to brake you force a pad against it. The friction between the pad and disc causing the vehicle to slow.
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