Following the empennage model by Charlie, this page contains different considerations and parameters that go into the decision of choosing the configuration of the aircraft landing gear.
Design Restrictions, or “parameters”, are rated on a scale of -2 to +2 as follows:
| Scale Number | Parameter Efficacy |
|---|---|
| -2 | This design choice has an severe negative impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would not be fulfilled by the design. |
| -1 | This design choice has a clear negative impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would not be well addressed by the design |
| 0 | This design choice has a neutral, or no impact on this design restriction. No positive or negative benefits for the design parameter’s implementation. |
| 1 | This design choice has a notable positive impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter has the potential to be well addressed, other factors notwithstanding. |
| 2 | This design choice has an extraordinarily positive impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would be well implemented by the design. |
Decision Matrix for Landing Gear Configurations and Materials
Stability:
The landing gear must be positioned so that the aircraft is stable on the ground and during taxi. During the ground test and loading of the X-1 test vehicle, fuel tanks, and pylons, it is imperative that the aircraft remains stable on the wheels while the loading occurs.
Ground Clearance:
Different configurations of landing gear will alter the ground clearance for critical parts of the aircraft. These include the X-1 test vehicle, external fuel tanks, pylons, and the propeller. Configurations that allow for more ground clearance will be given positive scores while those which limit ground clearance will be given negative scores.
Manuf Difficulty:
General difficulty of manufacturing this configuration. Negatives include LG configurations that make loading of the X-1 test vehicle and fuel tanks more difficult as well as limiting the space for external loads.
Manuf Experience:
Designs will receive a bonus if team members have manufacturing experience with said design. Negatives will only be allotted in this category if team members with manufacturing experience faced design failure or similar circumstances.
Maintenance:
Refers to the on-site usability of a design. In the event of failure of components, a modular design will be able to quickly and easily swap out components, and ideally gives large amounts of clearance for ground team and payloads.
Wiring:
Designs that allow for easy installation of servo on/near the nose landing gear will be rated higher. Those that require non-traditional wiring placement or thought will be penalized.
Cost:
Things cost money.
Manuf Difficulty:
Penalties to materials that require complex construction, or long/time consuming manufacturing processes. Bonuses to processes such as additive manufacturing that are relatively hands-free and customizable.
Manuf Experience:
Materials will receive a bonus if team members have manufacturing experience with said design. Negatives will only be allotted in this category if team members with manufacturing experience faced design failure or similar circumstances.
Required PPE/Toxicity:
Negatives if installation process requires additional PPE and equipment that the team does not already possess. Positives if process as a whole requires less PPE in general, easing manufacturing and coordination. Negatives if ESDC will kill us if someone forgets to fill out the hazardous material forms.