An Overview of Common Types of Brakes and Braking Systems

In aviation, braking systems are necessary for operations on the ground, whether it be controlling speed during taxiing or slowing an aircraft down to a stop after it touches down on a runway. While braking systems have been around since the early days of aviation, the technology behind them has evolved significantly with various types coming about to address specific needs and aircraft designs. This blog will explore the common types of brakes and braking systems used in aircraft operations, focusing on their design and application to help you gain a better understanding of options.

Braking System & Types Of Brakes

Brakes are very straightforward in their use, serving the primary purpose of decelerating and stopping an aircraft. The way in which this is achieved varies on design, two most prevalent types used in aviation being hydraulic and pneumatic brakes. Hydraulic options in particular operate using fluid pressure to apply force to a braking mechanism, while pneumatic variations use air pressure. Each system has its unique advantages, where the best fit comes down to the specific requirements of the aircraft.

Hydraulic brakes are the most commonly used braking systems in modern aircraft, where hydraulic fluid under pressure is used to transfer force to the brake assemblies in response to the pilot's manipulation of cockpit controls. A standard hydraulic brake system consists of several key components, including a master cylinder, brake lines, and brake pads or shoes. When the pilot applies pressure to the brake pedals situated near their feet, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure, which is transmitted through the brake lines to the pads. The pads are then pressed against the brake disc or drum, creating friction that slows down the aircraft.

One of the primary advantages of hydraulic brakes is their effectiveness in providing consistent braking performance. The characteristics of a hydraulic system and the dynamics of fluid pressure allows for precise control over braking force, enabling pilots to modulate braking pressure smoothly. This is particularly important during landing operations, where careful braking is essential to ensure the aircraft comes to a controlled stop within the available runway length.

Within the realm of hydraulic brakes, one specific variation that finds use in aviation is the drum brake. These assemblies consist of a drum that rotates with the wheel, as well as brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction when the pedal in the cockpit is depressed. Although drum brakes are less common in modern aircraft, they are still used in various smaller aircraft and older models. Drum brakes are simple in design and relatively easy to maintain, but they are generally less efficient at dissipating heat compared to disc brakes.

Disc brakes have become the standard in most modern aircraft, a result of their superior performance and efficiency over drum options. A disc brake system consists of a brake disc, also known as a rotor, that rotates with the wheel, as well as brake pads that press against the disc to create friction. When the pilot applies the brakes, hydraulic pressure forces the pads to clamp onto the disc, slowing down each wheel. Disc brakes are highly effective at dissipating heat, which is crucial for maintaining reliable braking performance during repeated or prolonged use, even under demanding conditions.

Often overlooked for not being a part of taxiing and landing operations, the parking brake is another critical component of an aircraft's system. The parking brake is used to keep an aircraft stationary while on the ground, particularly during loading and unloading or when parked on an incline. When it is engaged, it locks the brake pads against the discs with hydraulic pressure, preventing the wheels from rotating. This ensures an aircraft remains securely in place, even in adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of brakes and braking systems used in aviation is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of aircraft. Here at Keep Your Lines Up, we provide a comprehensive range of aviation products to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Whether you are looking for hydraulic brakes, disc brakes, or other various aviation-related items, we always guarantee that you will receive quality-assured solutions with timely fulfillment, all while maintaining competitive pricing. If you are ready to see if Keep Your Lines Up is the right option for your requirements, get in touch with our staff.