US Largest Aircraft Testing its Massive 28-Wheel Landing Gear

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28-Wheeler Aircraft

The C-5M Super Galaxy is fitted with five sets of 28-inch-diameter retractable tricycle landing gears. These landing gears have Bendix oleo-pneumatic dual-chamber shock absorbers, Goodrich wheels, carbon disc brakes, and Hydro-Aire modulated anti-skid units.

In takeoffs, the Super Galaxy’s landing gears turn 90 degrees for an inward retraction by a hydraulically-driven gear system to conserve space inside. In contrast, its four-wheeled nosegear retracts rearward. 

During flights, the C-5M’s wheels can be deflated by its crews to suit the landing conditions at their designated airfield. It is estimated that the C-5M’s tires lose about 0.002in of rubber every time it lands, so properly configuring them is one of the crew’s main priorities.