What are the two main types of landing gear configurations?

The two main types of landing gear configurations are conventional and tricycle. In a conventional landing gear configuration, the aircraft has two main wheels located at the rear and a small tailwheel, which provides stability upon landing and takeoff. This setup can lead to a higher risk of nose-over incidents during landing due to the center of gravity being located forward of the main wheels.

In contrast, the tricycle landing gear configuration features the main wheels located under the wings or fuselage and a nose wheel, which provides better stability during ground operations. This arrangement helps prevent the aircraft from tipping forward and typically allows for improved visibility for the pilot during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.

Understanding these configurations is essential for pilots and aircraft engineers as they influence handling characteristics, ground stability, and overall aircraft design.