Which of the following is a function of landing gear besides supporting the aircraft on the ground?

• A. Absorbs shock
• B. Generates lift
• C. Stores fuel
• D. Provides steering without hydraulics

Answer: (A)

Absorbing shock during touchdown is the function that makes landing gear more than just a support. The legs use shock-absorbing struts, typically an oleo design, that compress when the wheels hit the runway. Fluid and gas inside the strut dissipate the aircraft’s kinetic energy as heat and provide controlled damping, so the impact loads are smoothed out and the airplane doesn’t rebound violently. This energy absorption protects the airframe, keeps the tires in contact with the surface, and helps maintain stability during the roll after landing.

Lift isn’t produced by the gear—the wings and airfoils generate lift. Fuel storage is in tanks built into the wings and fuselage, not the landing gear. Steering usually relies on hydraulic systems (or mechanical-hydraulic linkages); without hydraulics, steering the wheels wouldn’t work effectively, especially on large aircraft.