The landing gear system of the aircraft was a significant advancement over its predecessor, offering complete enclosure of the landing gear components within the nacelles, eliminating the exposure seen in earlier models like the B-18. Here are the key details:
Main Landing Gear:
Design and Enclosure:
- The landing gear was hydraulically operated and fully retractable, with each unit functioning independently.
- When retracted, the gear was enclosed by large clamshell doors attached to the nacelles by piano-type hinges.
- The landing gear doors were automatically operated by linkage connected to the gear’s rear brace strut.
- A safety mechanism ensured the gear was securely locked in the down position, indicated by a green signal light. Additionally, a horn sounded if the engines were throttled while the gear was not in the safe landing position.
Wheels and Tires:
- The gear was equipped with 45×20.00-18 wheels paired with eight-ply, smooth contour tires.
- Each wheel had two 14 inch x 4 inch duo-servo, hydraulically actuated brakes.
- A parking brake was included for extended parking situations.
Shock Absorbers:
- The system featured air-oil shock absorber struts that were firmly clamped to the axle of each wheel.
- These struts were connected at their upper ends by rigid trusses, which were manipulated by a hydraulically operated strut for retraction, causing the upper truss to rotate forward and upward into the nacelle.
Tail Wheel:
Swiveling and Retraction:
- The tail wheel was fully swiveling and hydraulically retracted, with its own set of doors for full enclosure.
- It was integrated into the main landing gear’s operation, with extension, retraction, and latching occurring simultaneously.
- The tail wheel could be locked in a trailing position for takeoff and landing.
Wheel and Tire:
- The tail wheel was equipped with a 22×9.00-6 wheel and an eight-ply, smooth contour tire.