Why some Helicopters have Wheels while others have Skids

Helicopters are a useful form of aircraft for many operations, capable of conducting flight in areas where conventional fixed-wing aircraft are not feasible. For example, helicopters are able to take off and land vertically, meaning they do not require runways. Nevertheless, helicopters still necessitate landing gear for basic ground operations and for touching down, and these assemblies may come in various forms. While skids are often seen on many helicopter models, various others will still feature wheel assemblies such as would be seen on fixed-wing aircraft. Typically, wheels are reserved for larger helicopters, due to their various characteristics and requirements. In this piece, we will discuss the wheels of helicopters and why some models choose them over typical skids.

When a helicopter first enters the design stage, there will be many compromises and changes made as the roles, specs, and applications of the model become more concrete. To determine whether wheels or skids are best for a design, there are a few considerations that engineers will need to account for to make an optimal decision. Generally, these include factors such as weight, design complexity, cost, and much more.

Weight is one of the first and most important factors to consider during the design stage, as the more a particular model weighs, the more lift it will need to generate for taking off. Additionally, increased weight also means more impact forces when landing on a ground surface, making it so that heavier models need more cushion to remain safe. If an aircraft needs to remain as light as possible, skids may be the best choice as they are much lighter than conventional wheel assemblies. The increased weight of wheel assemblies is due to the fact that they feature tires, bearings, suspensions, and other various components instead of two static tubes on each side of the fuselage.

Complexity is also important to consider, and it is determined by the amount of moving parts that are added to a design. With wheels, engineers may also have to implement things such as mechanical and hydraulic linkages for operation, systems for in-flight stowing, and more. Each of these additions increase the overall complexity of the helicopter, increasing testing time, costs, and more. For the most simplistic design, skids are best.

As stated prior, adding more complex components adds cost, so wheel assemblies will generally raise the price of the helicopter. Beyond the purchasing price tag, wheels and other components will also need to be regularly serviced, maintained, and replaced as well. With skids, the standard wear that one will face is the degradation of the underside of the skid that comes into contact with ground surfaces. To deter wear, pilots can add skid shoes that protect the tubes from damage.

Beyond such factors, engineers will also consider things like the types of surfaces that the helicopter will land on, as well as how much drag may be faced. Then, it can be divided whether skids or wheels are best. If you are in the market for helicopter components, skid parts, wheel assemblies, and other such products, look no further than NSN Parts Now. As a leading parts distribution platform, we can save you time and money on all your sourcing needs with our purchasing power and market expertise. We source our inventory from thousands of leading manufacturers we trust, and countless offerings undergo rigorous quality assurance measures prior to shipment. Coupled with our other various dedications and practices, we proudly operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation. Get started today and see how we can serve as your reliable sourcing partner for all your operational needs.


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