Integrated Landing Gear System Retraction/Extension Analysis Using ADAMS

In recent years a clear trend has developed in the aerospace industry towards the procurement of integrated systems from major suppliers (ref. 1). In this process, Messier-Dowty became a provider of integrated landing gear systems who is responsible for supplying a certifiable landing gear system and providing all the system level performance analysis. The aircraft landing gear system retraction and extension performance analysis is part of the certification requirement. The landing gear system is an integrated system which consist of the landing gear structure, the complicated door motion mechanism, locking mechanism, landing gear control module, and the interface between the landing gear system and the hydraulic system. A comprehensive landing gear system model is thus required to evaluate the system level performance. The modeling of such an integrated system using ADAMS provides a satisfactory solution to this challenging requirement and results in the saving of the system development time and a cost reduction for system level testing.