RC Plane Landing Gear Retracts: Why You Need Them and How They Work
We all know that landing an RC plane can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. One of the essential components of an RC plane landing system is the landing gear retracts. In this article, we’ll be discussing why you need landing gear retracts and how they work to help you better understand this crucial aspect of your RC plane.
What Are RC Plane Landing Gear Retracts?
Landing gear retracts are a crucial element of your RC plane landing system. They are installed on the underside of the plane and consist of a mechanism that retracts the landing gear into the plane’s body during takeoff and landing. Once the plane is airborne, the gear is extended again to provide a smooth landing.
Why You Need Landing Gear Retracts
There are several reasons Why You Need Landing Gear Retracts for your RC plane. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. Improved Aerodynamics
When the landing gear is up, it creates a streamlined, aerodynamic shape for your RC plane. This allows the plane to fly faster and more efficiently, reducing drag and maximizing your plane’s performance.
2. Better Protection
Landing gear retracts can protect your plane’s landing gear during takeoff and landing. With the gear up, there is less chance of damage from obstacles on the runway, such as rocks or gravel.
3. Better Control
Retractable landing gear also helps you maintain better control over your plane during takeoff and landing. With the gear up, your plane is more stable, making it easier to take off and land smoothly.
How Landing Gear Retracts Work
Now that we’ve discussed why you need landing gear retracts let’s take a closer look at how they work.
Landing gear retracts consist of several components, including a retract mechanism, a control system, and landing gear struts. The retract mechanism is responsible for raising and lowering the landing gear, while the control system includes servos and switches that control the gear’s movement.
When you lower the landing gear, a mechanism engages, causing the landing gear to extend out of the plane’s body. As the gear extends, the landing gear struts provide support, and the plane is now ready for takeoff. Once your RC plane is in the air, it’s time to retract the landing gear.
With the flick of a switch, the retract mechanism engages again, causing the landing gear to retract into the plane’s body. As the landing gear is lifted, the struts are compressed, and the gear is secured in place.
FAQs About Landing Gear Retracts
1. Can I Install Landing Gear Retracts on Any RC Plane?
Yes, you can install landing gear retracts on any RC plane, provided that the plane has enough space to house the retract mechanism and landing gear.
2. Do I Need to Buy a Special Control System for Landing Gear Retracts?
No, you don’t need to buy a special control system for landing gear retracts. You can use the same RC control system that you use for your plane’s other components.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Install Landing Gear Retracts?
The cost of landing gear retracts can vary depending on the type of plane and the retract system you choose. However, typical prices for a complete landing gear retract system range from $60 to $150.
4. Are There Different Types of Landing Gear Retracts?
Yes, there are different types of landing gear retracts, including pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic systems. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the system that is best suited for your needs.
5. How Do I Know If My Landing Gear Retracts Are Working Correctly?
You can test your landing gear retracts to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Make sure that the gear extends and retracts smoothly and that the struts provide adequate support. If you notice any issues, such as gear sticking, it’s essential to have your system serviced or repaired.
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of your RC plane, you need to invest in landing gear retracts. These systems provide improved aerodynamics, better protection, and better control, making takeoff and landing smoother and more efficient. Make sure that you choose a retract system that is right for your plane and test it regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly. With the right landing gear retracts, you’ll have a reliable plane that can perform at its best.
Price: $89.99
(as of Mar 09, 2023 18:43:43 UTC – Details)
