Definition of the word landing gear

The term "landing gear" refers to the mechanism on an aircraft that allows it to take off, touch down, and roll along the ground. The word "gear" in this context is not referring to any specific equipment but is used metaphorically to describe the entire system of wheels, flaps, and other components that are lowered or retracted during the takeoff and landing phases of flight. The concept of landing gear dates back to the early days of aviation, when pilots realized that a simple externally-mounted skid was insufficient for navigating rough terrain or stopping the aircraft in a short distance. In 1914, Hungarian engineer Sándor Schörghuber designed the first retractable landing gear, which could be lowered and raised hydraulically, making it possible to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics during flight. Over time, several designs of landing gear have been developed, ranging from fixed gears that do not retract to dual-wheel systems that can be quickly adapted to different landing conditions. Today, the most common types of landing gears are tricycle gears, which feature a single wheel at the nose of the aircraft and two main wheels at the rear, providing greater stability and control during takeoff and landing. In summary, "landing gear" is a term that reflects the need to lower and raise the wheels of an aircraft for safe takeoff, landing, and ground movement, while also emphasizing the importance of this system as a crucial component of the overall aircraft mechanism.