Spherical plain bearings excel in landing gear applications

Carter Manufacturing is an approved aerospace bearing supplier to industry leading landing gear manufacturers and is accredited to ISO9001 incorporating the requirements of AS9120 with flow down from AS9100. Carter also offers the full range of UNASIS aerospace bearing tools.

In the aerospace industry the importance of landing gear maintenance can never be overestimated because the components and systems must operate safely and efficiently in the most demanding and often, extreme conditions – every time.

Regarded by some aviation experts as ‘mechanical marvels’, landing gear is a ‘big deal’, with initial sales in the global market valued at 10.79 billion USD (2021) and predicted to grow to 22.90 billion USD by 2030.

Furthermore, aerospace landing gear maintenance represents around 20% of total aircraft maintenance costs because it directly impacts safety, reliability and performance, where even minor defects or failures could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Regular and precise maintenance ensures that all components are in optimal working condition, minimising the risk of malfunctions, accidents or downtime, because in an industry where safety, precision and consistency are paramount, proper maintenance procedures are ‘non-negotiable’. These procedures also extend the operational lifespan of expensive equipment and help to reduce operational costs.

Bearings are an essential component in todays’ landing gear systems and correct installation is critical to harness the full potential of a bearing’s performance and safe operation, as the consequences of a poorly installed bearing could be far reaching. This applies to initial installation into an airframe assembly, a main shaft on a jet engine, or a suspension system.