New Composite Design Enhances Durability and Reduces Maintenance Costs
UAVOS has introduced a new Main Landing Gear Spring designed to improve the durability, performance, and safety of unmanned aircraft. The newly developed component is made from high-strength composite materials, offering better shock absorption, reduced weight, and an extended lifespan compared to traditional steel landing gear.
Improved Strength and Efficiency
The updated landing gear aims to enhance aircraft stability during landing and taxiing while lowering maintenance costs for operators.
“Our goal was to create a landing gear solution that not only improves safety but also optimizes UAV efficiency,” said Aliaksei Stratsilatau, Founder and CEO at UAVOS. “The main landing gear has been designed with a minimum weight of 16 kg, maximum performance, and longest service life.”
The reduced mass of the landing gear does not compromise its stiffness or ability to withstand operational demands. Additionally, the thinner profile helps reduce aerodynamic drag, contributing to improved overall performance.
Advanced Composite Manufacturing
The Main Landing Gear Spring is made using prepreg carbon and the Inflatable Bladder Molding Composite Method. This manufacturing process involves impregnating fiber sheets with resin, placing them inside a mold, and sealing them to form the desired shape.
Key Benefits of the New Landing Gear:
- Enhanced Strength & Durability – Designed to handle high-impact landings and tough operational conditions.
- Lightweight Construction – Reduces overall aircraft weight, increasing fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
- Extended Service Life – Built for long-term use to minimize replacement needs.
- Improved Shock Absorption – Helps reduce stress on the airframe.
Rigorous Testing and Deployment
The new landing gear has undergone extensive overload testing at 1,800 kg, showing 160 mm of axis deflection under load. Torsional stiffness tests confirmed the component’s resistance to twisting, which helps prevent vibrations.
The first retrofit Main Landing Gear Spring has already been delivered to a UAVOS client supporting a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) aircraft program. This version also includes integrated brake lines within the leaf spring landing gear.
For more details on UAVOS’ latest developments, visit UAVOS.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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