Do airplanes also brake? 99% of people don't know the answer.

Air Plane Brake: Ever wondered if airplanes also have brakes? If you've ever considered this, you're right, that airplanes also have brakes. But airplane brakes work differently from car brakes. Stopping and slowing down of an airplane is a complex process in which many systems work together. Today we are going to tell you about it in detail.

How do airplane brake systems work?

Wheel Brakes (Tyre Brakes):

An airplane's landing gear (where the tyres are attached) is fitted with disc brakes, which act in a similar way to a car's brakes.

When the plane lands, the pilot uses brakes to bring the aircraft to a halt by slowing down the tire.

Thrust Reverse:

When the plane lands, the thrust of the engine is applied in the opposite direction. This is called "thrust reversing".

It slows down the speed of the aircraft by throwing the air forward.

Thrust reversing is very effective and helps in slowing down large aircraft at high speeds.

Speed Brakes (Air Brakes):

Speed brakes or air brakes are mounted on the wings of the aircraft.

These obstruct the flow of air, slowing down the aircraft.

The pilot uses them when the speed has to be reduced during landing or at the time of flight.

When are the brakes in use?

At the time of landing:

When the aircraft lands on the runway, a combination of wheel brakes, thrust reversers, and speed brakes is done so that the aircraft can stop safely.

Taxiing Time:

When the airplane moves from the runway to the terminal (taxi), wheel brakes are used.

In an emergency:

If there is a problem during take-off and the aircraft has to be stopped immediately, then these brake systems are used.

Some highlights:

Larger planes have an autobrake system that brakes automatically.

Airplane brakes are very powerful and can get so hot that they need special cooling systems.

In case of brake failure during landing, "emergency barriers" (sand or nets) are used on the runway.