What is a common material used for construction of landing gear?

The construction of landing gear is critical to the overall safety and performance of an aircraft, so materials are chosen based on their strength, durability, and ability to withstand significant stress during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Steel and aluminum alloys are commonly used due to their remarkable strength-to-weight ratios, resistance to fatigue, and ability to absorb energy during impacts.

Steel provides exceptional strength and durability, making it suitable for components that must endure high loads and extreme conditions. Aluminum alloys, on the other hand, offer an excellent balance of lightweight and strength, which is essential for reducing the overall weight of the aircraft while maintaining structural integrity. This reduction in weight can improve fuel efficiency and performance.

While other materials mentioned, such as plastic composites and carbon fiber, have their advantages in various applications, they are less frequently used for main landing gear structures due to factors like cost, manufacturability, and performance in high-stress scenarios. Wood, being much less strong and durable compared to metals, is unsuitable for landing gear construction. Therefore, the choice of steel or aluminum alloys for landing gear construction is well-founded in their mechanical properties and reliability in aviation applications.