Tire Friction Coefficients and Their Relation to Ground-run Distance in Landing

Book excerpt: A summary of published information on braking friction coefficients is presented. An analysis is included which indicates that the magnitude of the friction coefficient available will affect the technique required for obtaining the shortest ground run only under extreme conditions. In this connection, technique refers to the choice between utilizing air drag and ground friction through choice of attitude. The analysis further shows that the landing attitude is almost never the attitude for the shortest ground run. A chart is presented for rapid estimation of ground-run. A chart is presented for rapid estimation of ground-run distance for any set of values of friction coefficient, airplane attitude, initial drag weight ratio, and initial velocity. Sample studies are presented for high- and low-wing loadings.