Patent ID: 8991753
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A method of positioning a truck beam of a landing gear of an airplane, the method comprising: providing a semi-levered landing gear mechanism comprising a plurality of links operably connected between a shock strut and the truck beam and a truck pitch actuation system, wherein providing the semi-levered landing gear mechanism comprises providing the shock strut so as to have an inner and an outer cylinder, providing the truck beam so as to be pivotally connected to the inner cylinder of the shock strut, providing a first link connected to the truck beam at a first pivot, a second link connected to the first link at a second pivot and a third link connected to the second link at a third pivot and connected to the outer cylinder at a fourth pivot, and providing the truck pitch actuation system so as to be operatively connected to the third pivot so as to position the third pivot in a first position or a second position; positioning a forward end of the truck beam in a raised position relative to an aft end of the truck beam by causing the truck pitch actuation system to be in a take-off position while the airplane is in air; and positioning the forward end of the truck beam in a lower position relative to the aft end of the truck beam by causing the truck pitch actuation system to be in a stow position while the airplane is in the air to facilitate retraction of the landing gear.