How does the plane brake?
In the field of modern aviation, the aircraft's braking system is one of the key technologies to ensure safe takeoff and landing. Whether it is a commercial airliner or a military aircraft, the design and operation of the braking system is critical. This article will introduce in detail the principles, methods and related data of aircraft braking to help readers better understand this complex and sophisticated technology.
1. Basic principles of aircraft braking

The aircraft's braking system mainly achieves deceleration in the following ways:
| Braking method | Principle | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| wheel brake | Apply braking force to the wheels via hydraulic or fly-by-wire systems | Slowing down after taxiing and landing |
| thrust reverser | The engine reverses thrust and injects airflow forward. | High speed phase after landing |
| air brake | Increased air resistance through spoilers and airbrakes | During flight or during the low-to-medium speed phase after landing |
2. Specific operations of aircraft brakes
Aircraft braking is not a single action, but the coordinated work of multiple systems. The following is a typical braking sequence for an aircraft landing:
| stage | Operation | speed range |
|---|---|---|
| moment of grounding | The automatic braking system activates and the wheels begin to brake | 250-150km/h |
| High speed deceleration | Thrust reverser activated, spoiler raised | 150-80km/h |
| taxiing at low speed | The wheel brake is mainly used, and the reverse thrust is turned off. | Below 80 km/h |
3. Technical development of aircraft brakes
With the advancement of aviation technology, aircraft braking systems are also constantly being upgraded. Here are some technological innovations in recent years:
| Technical name | Features | Application model |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon composite brakes | Lighter, more resistant to high temperatures, longer life | Boeing 787, Airbus A350 |
| fly-by-wire braking system | Faster response and more precise control | Airbus A380 |
| Intelligent brake control | Automatically adjust braking force to prevent slipping | The latest generation of commercial airliners |
4. Safety considerations for aircraft braking
The design of aircraft braking systems must consider multiple safety factors:
| safety factor | Countermeasures | importance |
|---|---|---|
| Brake overheating | Use high temperature resistant materials to design the heat dissipation system | ★★★★★ |
| Brake failure | Multiple backup systems, independent hydraulic channels | ★★★★★ |
| The runway is slippery | Anti-skid system, automatically adjusts braking strength | ★★★★☆ |
5. Frequently Asked Questions about Aircraft Brakes
Here are some common questions and answers about aircraft brakes:
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why does a plane make a lot of noise when it lands? | It is mainly the airflow noise generated by the thrust reverser and the sound of friction between the tires and the runway. |
| Do airplane brakes make a squeaking sound like a car's? | No, modern aircraft braking systems are sophisticatedly designed and make very little noise. |
| How often should aircraft brake pads be replaced? | Depending on usage, inspection or replacement is usually required after 300-500 takeoffs and landings |
6. Future development trends of aircraft braking technology
With the continuous advancement of aviation technology, aircraft braking systems are also facing new challenges and opportunities:
| Development direction | expected effect | R&D stage |
|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic brake | Faster response, no friction loss | laboratory stage |
| Energy recovery brake | Convert braking energy into electrical energy storage | Proof of concept |
| Intelligent adaptive braking | Automatically optimize braking strategy based on runway conditions | Preliminary application |
The aircraft braking system is an important part of modern aviation engineering. Its design and operation reflect the highest achievements of mankind in mechanical control, material science and intelligent algorithms. With the continuous development of technology, future aircraft braking systems will be safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
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