Aircraft Brake Shop Equipment - Assembly / Disassembly
Having the right aircraft brake shop equipment is crucial to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft brakes.
Designed to meet the unique requirements of the aviation industry, these specialized tools and machinery are employed by qualified technicians at airline maintenance facilities and dedicated aircraft brake shops to maintain and repair aircraft braking systems to the utmost safety and quality standards.
PJi offers a wide range of equipment for aircraft brake maintenance, including brake test stands, brake drain units, and brake lifting tools. Our aviation specialists can assist you in finding aircraft brake shop equipment to meet your specific needs.
How do airplane brakes work?
Similar to the braking system in cars, aircraft disc brakes have two calipers that, when engaged, push the brake pads against the rotors to slow down or stop the airplane’s wheels. Unlike automobile brakes, airplane brakes don’t move with the wheels – they remain stationary while the wheels rotate.
The pilot uses a hydraulic system to apply pressure to the brakes. Instead of using one lever to control both brakes at the same time, the pilot has two separate controls located on the top of the rudder panels that operate the left and right brakes independently. This enables the pilot to apply more pressure to one brake than the other, which can help with turning or steering the airplane while on the ground.
What are aircraft brakes made of?
In the past, airplane brakes were usually made of iron or steel, but carbon fiber disc brakes have become the standard on most newer aircraft today.
Carbon fiber brakes – which utilize both carbon rotors and pads – are significantly lighter, more durable, and longer lasting than traditional steel brakes. Carbon fiber construction also boasts superior high-temperature stability, thermal conductivity, energy absorption, and thermal shock resistance compared to steel.
What are the different types of aircraft brakes?
There are four main types of aircraft brake systems: single-disc, dual-disc, multiple-disc, and segmented rotor-disc brakes.
Single-disc brakes are typically used on smaller aircraft and consist of one rotor and one set of calipers per wheel. Single-disc brakes are relatively easy to maintain, but they have lower stopping power and are less effective at dissipating heat.
Dual-disc brakes are used on larger aircraft that require more stopping power. As the name suggests, dual-disc brakes have two rotors and two sets of calipers per wheel, which increases the surface area and improves heat dissipation.
Multiple-disc brakes are generally used on commercial airliners and other very large aircraft. Multiple-disc brakes have multiple rotors and calipers arranged in a series or parallel configuration, which provides superior stopping power and enhanced heat dissipation.
Segmented rotor-disc brakes are a type of multiple-disc brake system using segmented rotors and calipers. Commonly used in high-performance military aircraft and some commercial airliners, segmented rotor-disc brakes offer improved performance and longer service life compared with traditional multiple-disc brakes.
