How Aircraft Shock Absorbers Improve Landing Safety

Landing is one of the most critical phases of flight, where pilot skill, precise timing, and equipment performance converge to facilitate a safe touchdown. Among the many mechanical systems involved in this process, aircraft shock absorbers are central in mitigating landing stress and preserving the structural integrity of an aircraft. By the end of this blog, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how many types of shock absorbers function and the specific roles they play across various aircraft types.

Where Are They Located, and When Do They Engage?

Aircraft shock absorbers are typically integrated into the landing gear assembly, located beneath the fuselage and wings depending on the airframe configuration. They are most active during the descent and landing phases, engaging the moment an aircraft makes contact with the ground. At this point, they absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy generated by downward momentum and forward motion. By cushioning the impact, shock absorbers help prevent structural damage to the airframe and other landing gear components, as well as ensure a smoother transition for passengers from flight to ground movement.

Different Types of Aircraft Shock Absorbers

Oleo-Pneumatic Shock Absorbers

One of the most widely used in aviation today, oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers utilize a sealed cylinder filled with hydraulic oil and compressed gas—typically nitrogen—to manage landing forces. When a landing occurs, an aircraft’s weight forces a piston into the cylinder, pushing hydraulic fluid through a calibrated orifice that controls and slows compression. Simultaneously, the gas within the upper chamber compresses, absorbing vertical energy and providing a cushioning effect.

This dual-stage process of fluid resistance and gas compression makes oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers ideal for high-performance, multi-cycle use across a wide range of aircraft weights and landing conditions. These absorbers are particularly favored in commercial airliners and military jets due to their high energy absorption, self-adjusting features, and ability to reliably dissipate impact forces with minimal rebound.

Spring and Rubber-Based Shock Absorbers

For smaller or older aircraft model designs, aircraft shock absorbers may consist of steel coil springs, rubber blocks, or laminated rubber discs that absorb kinetic energy through mechanical deformation. In the case of springs, their compression temporarily stores energy before it is gradually released. Meanwhile, rubber-based systems rely on shear and compression deformation to absorb impacts and dampen vibrations.

Although they lack the advanced fluid-damping qualities of more complex systems, these shock absorbers are suitable for lightweight aircraft with lower approach speeds. Furthermore, with fewer moving parts, they offer lower maintenance requirements. Overall, they are a practical choice for general aviation purposes that do not demand high-performance energy dissipation, including vintage aircraft, gliders, and trainer models.

Composite Shock Absorbers

Advancements in material science have led to the development of composite-based aircraft shock absorbers that offer high strength capabilities without excess additional weight. These systems incorporate carbon fiber-reinforced polymers or thermoplastic composites that are molded into flexural or torsional elements. Upon impact, these materials flex and deform in controlled ways to absorb energy and return to shape without permanent deformation.

Their elasticity helps to evenly distribute landing loads, while their reduced mass contributes to overall fuel or battery efficiency. As such, these systems are well-suited for innovative applications that require components to operate reliably under repeated loading cycles without significant wear, including UAVs, electric aircraft, and light sport aircraft.

Specialized Shock Absorbers for Military Aircraft

Military aircraft, especially those operating from aircraft carriers or in combat zones, work under far more extreme conditions than their commercial counterparts and demand shock absorbers that can endure high-stress conditions. Generally, these components are constructed using heavy-duty alloys and reinforced with structural housings that manage the intense forces encountered during hard landings, rough field operations, or arrested recoveries. In particular, many of these shock absorbers use multi-stage damping systems with high-pressure fluid and gas chambers to assist with abrupt deceleration.

Smart Shock Absorbers

The integration of smart technologies into aircraft shock absorbers is still in the developmental and early adoption stages, though it stands to offer significant benefits for improved performance in unpredictable or adverse conditions. These modern absorbers incorporate sensors, actuators, and electronic control units that can monitor variables like speed, angle of descent, and load. Based on this data, the system dynamically adjusts internal valves or pressure systems to modify damping characteristics instantaneously. In some designs, electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids are used, as their viscosity can be altered by electrical or magnetic signals for highly responsive control.

ASAP Aerospace Bearings: Your Trusted Source for Aircraft Shock Absorbers

ASAP Aerospace Bearings is a one-stop for top-requested and high-performance aviation parts from trusted companies, such as part number C23139-4E, a shock absorber produced by Messier Dowty. Our vast inventory can be easily searched by part numbers and other common designations like manufacturer or aircraft model, while securing competitive and timely procurement options that match your requirements is made easy with our online quote request service. Keeping all of this in mind, do not hesitate to check out our website and see how we can serve you.

Posted on April 20, 2025 jack daniel