Description / Abstract:
This information report provides general guidance for the design
considerations, qualification in endurance, strength and fatigue of
landing gear using composite components as principle structural
elements.
The information discussed herein includes the development and
evaluation of design data considering: the potential for imbedded
manufacturing defects, manufacturing process variations, the
component operating environment, potential damage threats in
service, rework and overhaul, and inspection processes.
This AIR mainly discusses the use of thick composites for
landing gear structural components. Considerations and
recommendations provided in this AIR may therefore differ greatly
from considerations and recommendations found in widely accepted
composite design references such as CMH-17 and Advisory Circulars
such as AC 20-107(B).
Purpose
The purpose of this AIR is to provide general guidance in the
qualification of composite components for landing gears. Compliance
with this report is not considered approval for installation on any
category aircraft or helicopter.
The Certifying Authority for the platform for which the
equipment is intended should be consulted for concurrence with the
approaches proposed herein as an acceptable qualification
demonstration for composite landing gear components.