What is the primary material used to construct the main landing gear struts?

The primary material used to construct the main landing gear struts is typically composite materials, which can offer significant advantages in terms of weight savings, strength, and resistance to environmental factors. Composite materials, which often include carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforced resin, are favored in many modern aircraft designs because they provide high strength-to-weight ratios and can be molded into complex shapes that enhance aerodynamics and overall efficiency.

These materials also offer resistance to corrosion and fatigue, which is crucial for components like landing gear that undergo repeated stress during landing and takeoff cycles. By utilizing composites, engineers can produce lighter components without sacrificing safety or performance, thereby improving the aircraft’s overall efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Aluminum, while widely used in aerospace engineering, especially for primary structures due to its good balance of weight and strength, does not offer the same level of performance and durability in landing gear struts as composite materials. Steel, though strong, tends to be heavier, which is not ideal for landing gear applications. Plastic lacks the structural integrity required for such high-stress components. Thus, composite materials stand out as the optimal choice for constructing main landing gear struts in modern aircraft design.