Project-1: Powertrain for aircraft in runways
Aim:
1. Search and list out the total weight of various types of aircrafts.
An aircraft is a vehicle or machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.
Common examples of aircraft include airplanes, helicopters, airships (including blimps), gliders, paramotors, and hot air balloons.
The human activity that surrounds aircraft is called aviation. The science of aviation, including designing and building aircraft, is called aeronautics. Crewed aircraft are flown by an onboard pilot, but unmanned aerial vehicles may be remotely controlled or self-controlled by onboard computers. Aircraft may be classified by different criteria, such as lift type, aircraft propulsion, usage and others.
An aircraft's gross weight is limited by several weight restrictions in order to avoid overloading its structure or to avoid unacceptable performance or handling qualities while in operation.
Aircraft gross weight limits are established during an aircraft's design and certification period and are laid down in the aircraft's type certificate and manufacturer specification documents.
The absolute maximum weight capabilities of a given aircraft are referred to as the structural weight limits. The structural weight limits are based on aircraft maximum structural capability and define the envelope for the CG charts (both maximum weight and CG limits).
An aircraft's structural weight capability is typically a function of when the aircraft was manufactured, and in some cases, old aircraft can have their structural weight capability increased by structural modifications.
Maximum design taxi weight (MDTW)
The maximum design taxi weight (also known as the maximum design ramp weight (MDRW)) is the maximum weight certificated for aircraft manoeuvring on the ground (taxiing or towing) as limited by aircraft strength and airworthiness requirements.
Maximum design takeoff weight (MDTOW)
Is the maximum certificated design weight when the brakes are released for takeoff and is the greatest weight for which compliance with the relevant structural and engineering requirements has been demonstrated by the manufacturer.
Maximum design landing weight (MDLW)
The maximum certificated design weight at which the aircraft meets the appropriate landing certification requirements. It generally depends on the landing gear strength or the landing impact loads on certain parts of the wing structure.
The MDLW must not exceed the MDTOW.
The maximum landing weight is typically designed for 10 feet per second (600 feet per minute) sink rate at touch down with no structural damage.
Maximum design zero-fuel weight (MDZFW)
The maximum certificated design weight of the aircraft less all usable fuel and other specified usable agents (engine injection fluid, and other consumable propulsion agents). It is the maximum weight permitted before usable fuel and other specified usable fluids are loaded in specified sections of the airplane. The MDZFW is limited by strength and airworthiness requirements. At this weight, the subsequent addition of fuel will not result in the aircraft design strength being exceeded. The weight difference between the MDTOW and the MDZFW may be utilised only for the addition of fuel.
Minimum flight weight (MFW)
Minimum certificated weight for flight as limited by aircraft strength and airworthiness requirements.
The following image depicts Takeoff Weight Components:
| Type | MTOW [kg] | MLW [tonnes] | TOR [m] | LR [m] | ICAO category | FAA category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonov An-225 | 640,000 | 591.7 | 3500 | Heavy | Super | |
| Scaled Composites Model 351 Stratolaunch | 589,670 | 3660 | Heavy | Super | ||
| Airbus A380-800 | 575,000 | 394 | 3100 | 1930 | Heavy | Super |
| Boeing 747-8F | 447,700 | 346.091 | 3100 | 1800 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 747-8 | 443,613 | 306.175 | 3100 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 747-400ER | 412,770 | 295.742 | 3090 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Antonov An-124-100M | 405,060 | 330 | 2520 | 900 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 747-400 | 396,900 | 295.742 | 3018 | 2179 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Lockheed C-5 Galaxy | 381,000 | 288.417 | 2530 | 1494 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 747-200 | 377,840 | 285.700 | 3338 | 2109 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 747-300 | 377,840 | 260.320 | 3222 | 1905 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A340-500 | 371,950 | 240 | 3050 | 2010 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A340-600 | 367,400 | 256 | 3100 | 2100 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 777F | 347,800 | 260.816 | 2830 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 351,800 | 251.29 | 3100 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 777-200LR | 347,450 | 223.168 | 3000 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 747-100 | 340,200 | 265.300 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Airbus A350-1000 | 308,000 | 233.5 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Boeing 777-300 | 299,370 | 237.683 | 3380 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 777-200ER | 297,550 | 213.00 | 3380 | 1550 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A340-300 | 276,700 | 190 | 3000 | 1926 | Heavy | Heavy |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-11 | 273,300 | 185 | 2990 | 1890 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A350-900 | 270,000 | 175 | 2670 | 1860 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Ilyushin Il-96M | 270,000 | 195.04 | 3115 | 2118 | Heavy | Heavy |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-10 | 256,280 | 183 | 2990 | 1890 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 787-9 | 254,000 | 192.777 | 2900 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 787-10 | 254,000 | 201.849 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Airbus A340-200 | 253,500 | 181 | 2990 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Airbus A330-900 | 251,000 | 191 | 3100 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Ilyushin IL-96-300 | 250,000 | 175 | 2600 | 1980 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A330-300 | 242,000 | 185 | 2500 | 1750 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A330-200 | 242,000 | 180 | 2220 | 1750 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Lockheed L-1011-500 | 231,300 | 166.92 | 2636 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Boeing 787-8 | 228,000 | 172.365 | 3300 | 1695 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Lockheed L-1011-200 | 211,400 | Heavy | Heavy | |||
| Ilyushin IL-86 | 208,000 | 175 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Boeing 767-400ER | 204,000 | 158.758 | 3414 | Heavy | Heavy | |
| Airbus A300-600R | 192,000 | 140 | 2385 | 1555 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 187,000 | 136.08 | 2713 | 1676 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Concorde | 185,000 | 111.1 | 3440 | 2220 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A300-600 | 163,000 | 138 | 2324 | 1536 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Boeing 767-300 | 159,000 | 136.078 | 2713 | 1676 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A310-300 | 157,000 | 124 | 2290 | 1490 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Vickers VC10 | 152,000 | 151.9 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Boeing 707-320B | 151,000 | 97.5 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Boeing 707-320C | 151,000 | 112.1 | Heavy | Heavy | ||
| Douglas DC-8-61 | 147,000 | Heavy | Heavy | |||
| Airbus A310-200 | 142,000 | 123 | 1860 | 1480 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Airbus A400M | 141,000 | 122 | 980 | 770 | Heavy | Heavy |
| Douglas DC-8-32 | 140,000 | Heavy | Heavy | |||
| Douglas DC-8-51 | 125,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 757-300 | 124,000 | 101.6 | 2550 | 1750 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 707-120B | 117,000 | 86.3 | Medium | Large | ||
| Boeing 757-200 | 116,000 | 89.9 | 2347 | 1555 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 720B | 106,000 | 79.5 | Medium | Large | ||
| Boeing 720 | 104,000 | 79.5 | Medium | Large | ||
| Tupolev Tu-154M | 104,000 | 80 | Medium | Large | ||
| Tupolev Tu-204SM | 104,000 | 87.5 | 2250 | Medium | Large | |
| Convair 880 | 87,500 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 737-900 | 85,000 | 66.36 | 2500 | 1704 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 737-900ER | 85,000 | 71.35 | 2804 | 1829 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 727-200 Advanced | 84,000 | 70.1 | Medium | Large | ||
| Airbus A321-100 | 83,000 | 77.8 | 2200 | 1540 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 737-800 | 79,000 | 65.32 | 2308 | 1634 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 727-200 | 78,000 | 68.1 | Medium | Large | ||
| McDonnell-Douglas MD-83 | 73,000 | 63.28 | Medium | Large | ||
| Boeing 727-100 | 72,500 | 62.4 | Medium | Large | ||
| Boeing 727-100C | 72,500 | 62.4 | Medium | Large | ||
| McDonnell-Douglas MD-90-30 | 71,000 | 64.41 | 2165 | 1520 | Medium | Large |
| de Havilland Comet 4 | 70,700 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 737-700 | 70,000 | 58.06 | 1921 | 1415 | Medium | Large |
| Airbus A320-100 | 68,000 | 66 | 1955 | 1490 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 737-400 | 68,000 | 54.9 | 2540 | 1540 | Medium | Large |
| de Havilland Comet 3 | 68,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 377 | 67,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 737-600 | 66,000 | 54.66 | 1796 | 1340 | Medium | Large |
| Airbus A220-300 | 65,000 | 57.61 | 1890 | 1494 | Medium | Large |
| Hawker Siddeley Trident 2E | 65,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Airbus A319[18] | 64,000 | 62.5 | 1850 | 1470 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 737-300 | 63,000 | 51.7 | 1939 | 1396 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 737-500 | 60,000 | 49.9 | 1832 | 1360 | Medium | Large |
| Airbus A220-100 | 59,000 | 50.80 | 1463 | 1356 | Medium | Large |
| Airbus A318 | 59,000 | 57.5 | 1375 | 1340 | Medium | Large |
| Boeing 717-200HGW | 55,000 | 47.174 | 1950 | Medium | Large | |
| Douglas DC-7 | 55,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| de Havilland Comet 2 | 54,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Boeing 717-200BGW | 50,000 | 46.265 | 1950 | Medium | Large | |
| de Havilland Comet 1 | 50,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Douglas DC-6A | 48,600 | Medium | Large | |||
| Douglas DC-6B | 48,500 | Medium | Large | |||
| Embraer 190 | 48,000 | 43 | 2056 | 1323 | Medium | Large |
| Caravelle III | 46,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Fokker 100 | 46,000 | 39.95 | 1621 | 1350 | Medium | Large |
| Douglas DC-6 | 44,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Avro RJ-85 | 42,000 | 36.74 | Medium | Large | ||
| Handley Page Hermes | 39,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Embraer 175 | 37,500 | 32.8 | 2244 | 1304 | Medium | Large |
| Bombardier CRJ900 | 36,500 | 33.345 | 1778 | 1596 | Medium | Large |
| Embraer 170 | 36,000 | 32.8 | 1644 | 1274 | Medium | Large |
| Bombardier CRJ700 | 33,000 | 30.39 | 1564 | 1478 | Medium | Large |
| Douglas DC-4 | 33,000 | Medium | Large | |||
| Vickers Viscount 800 | 30,400 | Medium | Large | |||
| Bombardier Q400 | 28,000 | 28.01 | 1219 | 1295 | Medium | Large |
| Bombardier CRJ200 | 23,000 | 21.319 | 1918 | 1479 | Medium | Large |
| ATR 72-600 | 22,800 | 22.35 | 1333 | 914 | Medium | Large |
| Saab 2000 | 22,800 | 21.5 | 1300 | Medium | Large | |
| Embraer ERJ 145 | 22,000 | 19.3 | 2270 | 1380 | Medium | Large |
| ATR 42-500 | 18,600 | 18.3 | 1165 | 1126 | Medium | Small |
| Saab 340 | 13,150 | 12.930 | 1300 | 1030 | Medium | Small |
| Embraer 120 Brasilia | 11,500 | 11.25 | 1560 | 1380 | Medium | Small |
| BAe Jetstream 41 | 10,890 | 10.570 | 1493 | 826 | Medium | Small |
| Learjet 75 | 9,752 | 8.709 | 1353 | 811 | Medium | Small |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 8,300 | 7.665 | 893 | 724 | Medium | Small |
| Embraer Phenom 300 | 8,150 | 7.65 | 956 | 677 | Medium | Small |
| Beechcraft 1900D | 7,765 | 7.605 | 1036 | 853 | Medium | Small |
| Cessna Citation CJ4 | 7,761 | 7.103 | 1039 | 896 | Medium | Small |
| de Havilland Hercules | 7,000 | Medium | Small | |||
| Embraer Phenom 100 | 4,800 | 4.43 | 975 | 741 | Light | Small |
2. Is there any difference between ground speed and air speed?
Difference between the ground speed and air speed
Airspeed is the vector difference between the ground speed and the wind speed. On a perfectly still day, the airspeed is equal to the ground speed. But if the wind is blowing in the same direction that the aircraft is moving, the airspeed will be less than the ground speed.

One of the most confusing concepts for young scientists is the relative velocity between objects. Aerodynamic forces are generated by an object moving through a fluid (liquid or gas). A fixed object in a static fluid does not generate aerodynamic forces. Hot air balloons "lift" because of buoyancy forces and some aircraft like the Harrier use thrust to "lift" the vehicle, but these are not examples of aerodynamic lift. To generate lift, an object must move through the air, or air must move past the object. Aerodynamic lift depends on the square of the velocity between the object and the air. Now things get confusing because not only can the object be moved through the air, but the air itself can move. To properly define the relative velocity, it is necessary to pick a fixed reference point and measure velocities relative to the fixed point. In this slide, the reference point is fixed to the ground, but it could just as easily be fixed to the aircraft itself. It is important to understand the relationships of wind speed to ground speed and airspeed.
Wind Speed
For a reference point picked on the ground, the air moves relative to the reference point at the wind speed. Notice that the wind speed is a vector quantity and has both a magnitude and a direction. Direction is important. A 20 mph wind from the west is different from a 20 mph wind from the east. The wind has components in all three primary directions (north-south, east-west, and up-down). In this figure, we are considering only velocities along the aircraft's flight path. A positive velocity is defined to be in the direction of the aircraft's motion. We are neglecting cross winds, which occur perpendicular to the flight path but parallel to the ground, and updrafts and downdrafts, which occur perpendicular to the ground.
Ground Speed
For a reference point picked on the ground, the aircraft moves relative to the reference point at the ground speed. Ground speed is also a vector quantity so a comparison of the ground speed to the wind speed must be done according to rules for vector comparisons.
Airspeed
The important quantity in the generation of lift is the relative velocity between the object and the air, which is called the airspeed. Airspeed cannot be directly measured from a ground position, but must be computed from the ground speed and the wind speed. Airspeed is the vector difference between the ground speed and the wind speed.
Airspeed = Ground Speed - Wind Speed
On a perfectly still day, the airspeed is equal to the ground speed. But if the wind is blowing in the same direction that the aircraft is moving, the airspeed will be less than the ground speed.
Examples
Suppose we had an airplane that could take off on a windless day at 100 mph (liftoff airspeed is 100 mph). We are at an airport with an east-west runway that is 1 mile long. The wind is blowing 20 mph towards the west and the airplane takes off going east. The wind is blowing towards the aircraft which we call a headwind. Since we have defined a positive velocity to be in the direction of the aircraft's motion, a headwind is a negative velocity. While the plane is sitting still on the runway, it has a ground speed of 0 and an airspeed of 20 mph:
Airspeed = Ground Speed (0) - Wind Speed (-20) = 20 mph
The airplane starts its take off roll and has a constant acceleration a. From Newton's second law of motion, the ground speed V at any time t is:
V = a * t
and the distance d down the runway at any time is:
d = 1/2 * a * t^2
For a fixed length runway, this specifies the time to be used in the velocity equation. Let's assume that at 5000 feet down the runway, the velocity is 80 mph. Then the airspeed is given by
Airspeed = Ground Speed (80) - Wind Speed (-20) = 100 mph
and the airplane begins to fly. Now another pilot, with exactly the same airplane decides to take off to the west. The wind is now in the same direction as the motion and this is called a tailwind. The sign on the wind speed is now positive, not negative as with the headwind. The acceleration along the ground is the same, so at 5000 feet down the runway, the ground speed is again 80 mph. The airspeed is then given by:
Airspeed = Ground Speed (80) - Wind Speed (20) = 60 mph
This airplane doesn't have enough airspeed to fly. It runs off the end of the runway!
3. Why is it not recommended to use aircraft engine power to move it on the ground at Airport?
Although many aircrafts are capable of moving in backward using reverse thrust, as result the jet blast or prop wash might cause damage to the terminal building or equipment. Engine close to ground may also blow sand and debris forward and then suck them into the engine, causing damage to the engine.
Aircraft move using their own engine power all the time on the airport apron and taxiways under their own power to go towards runways and after landing taxi to their assigned gate.
The only time they use external assistance is to pushback from the gate. Large turbofan aircraft need help to reverse via a pushback tractor. The engines are turned on after the pushback is complete and the aircraft can move forward under It’s own power.
To be accurate, some aircraft can reverse using a variable pitch prop or thrust reversing on turbofans but generally reversing is done via pushback tractors. Blasting jet reversers blows debris In the crowded gate area creating foreign object damage hazard for adjacent aircraft, gate equipment or terminal waiting area glass windows.
Unwanted consequences mainly arise from the unintended movement of during engine is running
Although most aircraft are capable of moving themselves on the ground. it is not typically done due to the following reasons.
- Effectively a loss of control can happen, especially during high power engine running. Damage can occur to the aircraft itself, other aircraft nearby or to airside structures.
- There is a risk of injury to ground support personnel who may be in relative proximity to the aircraft.
- The jet blast from the engines can damage the terminal building and nearby equipment. It can even throw away people standing nearby.
- Engines can suck in sand and debris which can cause serious damage to the engine.
- It is easier for the truck driver to see the surroundings better than the pilot sitting in the cockpit with limited windows.

- The plane engines are very loud. When more than one plane will add up their sound then it will not be pleasant for passengers and s near the airport.
- It also saves fuel. Virgin Atlantic had proposed a new system in which pushback trucks will move the aircraft all the way to the runway to save fuel and reduce the impact on the environment.
- Modern planes are huge. It is difficult to navigate such gigantic structures through limited space. An A380 is eight stories high. The pilots won't be able to see anything directly in front of them or anything behind the wings
- In addition, response to potential but unexpected occurrences must be covered by appropriate training and, where a rapid response may be necessary, memory actions.
- Finally, engine ground running, especially if engine operation above Ground Idle is to take place, is best carried out with both flight deck pilot seats occupied and with clearly defined roles for the person in charge and their assistant. In particular, this allows checklists to be carried out using the challenge and response method.
4. How an aircraft is pushed to runway when its ready to take off?
Airplanes have engines, and they can use them to move forward along the ground. So they push themselves to the runway.
It is true that most of the time, a small vehicle is needed to push the larger commercial airplanes backwards away from the terminal building, because even if a plane can reverse it’s thrust, it’s not always safe to hit the buildings with that reverse thrust. So the little trucks push the bigger planes back away from the buildings, but after that, the planes can apply a small amount of engine power to roll forward just as all airplanes can.
Aircraft push themselves to the runway.
Takeoff phase:
Takeoff is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle leaves the ground and becomes airborne. For aircraft traveling vertically, this is known as liftoff.
For aircraft that take off horizontally, this usually involves starting with a transition from moving along the ground on a runway. For balloons, helicopters and some specialized fixed-wing aircraft (VTOL aircraft such as the Harrier and the Bell Boeing V22 Osprey), no runway is needed.
The speeds needed for takeoff are relative to the motion of the air (indicated airspeed). A headwind will reduce the ground speed needed for takeoff, as there is a greater flow of air over the wings. This is why the aircraft always take off against the wind. Sidewind is not preferred as it would disturb the stability of the aircraft. Typical takeoff air speeds for jetliners are in the 130–155 knot range (150–180 mph, 240–285 km/h). For a given aircraft, the takeoff speed is usually directly proportional to the aircraft weight; the heavier the weight, the greater the speed needed. Some aircraft have difficulty generating enough lift at the low speeds encountered during takeoff. These are therefore fitted with high-lift devices, often including slats and usually flaps, which increase the camber of the wing, making it more effective at low speed, thus creating more lift. These have to be deployed from the wing before performing any manoeuvre.
At the beginning of the climb phase, the wheels are retracted into the aircraft and the undercarriage doors are closed. This operation is audible by the passengers as a noise coming from below the floor.
Climb phase
The climb phase, also known as climb-out or initial climb, is the period during which the aircraft climbs to a predetermined cruising altitude after take-off. The climb phase immediately follows take-off and precedes the cruise phase of the flight. Although a single climb phase is typical, multiple climb phases may alternate with cruise phases, particularly for very long flights in which altitude is increased as the weight of fuel aboard decreases (see step climb).
As the climb progresses, the rate of climb decreases as thrust reduces due to reducing air density. A gradual climb improves forward visibility over the nose of the aircraft.
Aircraft also climb when flying in a zone of rising air, but since such zones are unpredictable and inconveniently located, and since most are poorly adapted to passive climbs of this type, only gliders attempt such climbs on a regular basis.
The opposite of a climb is a descent.
Because lift diminishes with decreasing air density, a climb, once initiated, will end by itself when the diminishing lift with increasing altitude drops to a point that equals the weight of the aircraft. At that point, the aircraft will return to level flight at a constant altitude. During the climb phase, it is normal that the engine noise diminishes. This is because the engines are operated at a lower power level after the take-off. It is also possible to hear a whirring noise or a change in the tone of the noise during a climb. This is the sound of the flaps that are retracting. A wing with a retracted flap produces less noise.
5. Learn about take off power, tyre design, rolling resistance, tyre pressure, brake forces when landing.
TAKE-OFF POWER:
- Takeoff Power is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle leaves the ground and becomes airborne On take-off, to position the aircraft to a safe height away from terrain and obstacles (ie. a flight path of maximum height and minimum ground distance desired), the engine thrust is set to a high 'take-off power setting and the aircraft attitude is pitched up by to maintain a specific speed by fulfilling the task is known as the take-off power.
- Take off performance can be predicted using a simple measure of the acceleration of the aircraft along the runway based on force equilibrium.

The forces
where
T=Thrust of propulsion system pushing aircraft along the runway.
D=Aerodynamic Drag of vehicle resisting the aircraft motion
F=Rolling resistance friction due to the contact of wheels or skids on the ground.
D=During take-off runs the imbalance in these forces will produce an acceleration along the runway.
dv/dt =Acceleration along with the runway
m =Mass of the vehicle.
whereas
Power =(T-D-F)*V
- b) TYRE DESIGN:
- When it comes to safety tyres are one of the most important components of aircraft. They help to absorb the shock of landing and provide cushioning. It also provides the necessary traction for the braking and stopping of an aircraft.
- An aircraft tyre is designed to withstand extremely heavy loads while landing, take off, taxing, and parking. The number of wheels required for aircraft increases with the weight of the aircraft, as the weight of the aeroplane needs to be distributed more evenly.
- A Boeing 737NG & 737MAX uses 6 wheels, Boeing 787 uses 10 wheels, Boeing 777 uses 14 wheels and Airbus A380 uses 22 wheels. Aircraft tyres work under extreme conditions, carrying up to 340 tons and accelerating at over 250 km/hour at takeoff, in addition to enduring varied environmental stress when in flight and taxiing.
- Carcass plies are used to form the tire. They are sometimes called casing plies. An aircraft tyre is constructed for the purpose it serves.
- They support the weight of an aircraft while it is on the ground.
- It also provides the necessary traction for the braking and stopping of an aeroplane.
- Tyre also helps absorb the shock of landing and provides cushioning for the roughness of takeoff, roll-out, and taxi operations.
- Unlike an automobile or truck tyre, it does not have to carry a load for a long period of continuous operation. However, an aircraft tyre absorbs the high impact loads of landing, and also it’s operating at high speeds for a short time when required.

Let’s go through some technical aspects of the tyre.
- Retreading = Retreading is restoring a worn tyre by renewing the tread area or renewing the tread area plus one or both sidewalls. Repairs are included in the tyre retreading process.
- Load Rating = Load rating is the maximum permissible load at a specified inflation pressure.
- Ply Rating = Ply Rating is used to identify the maximum recommended load rating and inflation pressure for a specified tyre. It is an index of tyre strength.
- Speed Rating = The speed rating is the maximum takeoff speed to which the tyre has been tested.
- Skid Depth = Skid depth is the distance between the tread surface and the deepest groove as measured in the mould.
Aircraft tyres must have an approved speed and load rating and have sufficient clearance when retracted through landing gear to allow for tyre growth. Tyre growth is the increase in the size of the tyre due to centrifugal forces at high speed.
- Aircraft tyres may be Tube-type or Tubeless
Tubeless tyres are more advantageous over tube-type. There is no longer the use of tube-type tyres in recent aviation. Nowadays all airliners are using tubeless tyres. Tubeless that are meant to be used without a tube has the word TUBELESS on the sidewall of the tyre.
- Aircraft tyres may be Radial or Bias
Almost all airliners are using Radial tyres. Bias is an older design, and it’s mainly used for road vehicles. Radial tyres have the word RADIAL on the sidewall. Radial tires are more expensive than bias-ply tyres. Radial tires are in demand because of their lower life cycle cost and long term value.
- c) ROLLING RESISTANCE:
Rolling resistance is the force resisting the motion when a body (such as a ball, tire, or wheel) rolls on a surface.
Rolling resistance can be seen in the aircraft when the aircraft Takes off at the runway with the help of from the runway and while landing its wheels.
The rolling resistance can be expressed
Fr =cW
where
F= rolling resistance or rolling friction
c=rolling resistance coefficient - dimensionless (coefficient of rolling friction-CRF)
W=normal force or weight of the body
W = mag
where
m=mass of the body (kg, lb)
ag =acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2.32.174 ft/s²)
The rolling resistance can alternatively be expressed as
Fr=cl W/r
where
cl=rolling resistance coefficient- dimension length (coefficient of rolling friction) (mm, in)
r=radius of the wheel (mm, in)
d)TYRE PRESSURE:
- Aircraft tires generally operate at high pressures, up to 200 psi(14 bar; 1.400 kPa) for airliners, and even higher for business jets.
- The main landing gear on the Concorde was typically inflated to 232 psi (16.0 bar), whilst its tail bumper gear tires were as high as 294 psi (20.3 bar).
- Tests of airliner aircraft tires have shown that they can sustain pressures of the maximum of 800 psi (55 bar, 5.500 kPa) before bursting. During the tests, the tires have to be filled with water, to prevent the test room from being blown apart by the energy that would be released by a gas when the tire bursts Aircraft tires are usually inflated with nitrogen to minimize
- expansion and contraction from extreme changes in ambient temperature and pressure experienced during flight. Dry nitrogen Laye expands at the same rate as other dry atmospheric gases (normal air is about 80% nitrogen), but common compressed air sources may contain moisture, rate with temperature. which increases the expansion
- The requirement that an inert gas, such as nitrogen, be used instead of air for inflation of tires on certain transport category aeroplanes was prompted by at least three cases in which the oxygen in air-filled tires combined with volatile gases given off by a severely overheated tire and exploded upon reaching auto-ignition temperature The use of inert gas for tire inflation will eliminate the possibility of a tire explosion
- e) BRAKE FORCES WHEN LANDING:
- All commercial aircraft have automatic brake systems. Just like a car, these systems also have an Anti-Lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the tires from sliding down a wet runway.
- The advantage of the automatic brake system is that the aircraft brakes comfortably at a constant deceleration. Passengers experienced a constant force that presses them into their seats.
- The brake system automatically applies the wheel brakes just enough to create a constant deceleration independent of the air resistance, spoilers and reversers. It is only in the last phase of brakes by pressing on both brake pedals. This deactivates the automatic brake system.
- Immediately after landing, the aircraft is still moving fast enough that aerodynamic devices are much more efficient than the brakes. The brake units are powered by the hydraulics system.
- An electrical signal is sent from the flight deck to hydraulic actuators near the main landing gear. Here, hydraulic fluid at 3.000 pounds per square inch is used to force the brake unit against the wheel, thus slowing it down.
Part B:
6. A. With necessary assumptions, calculate the force and power required to push / pull an aircraft by a towing vehicle.The Force and Power required to push/pull an Aircraft by a Towing
Vehicle:
Let us Assume:
Weight of the Aircraft =500000kg
Rolling Resistance Coefficient of an aircraft tire =0.005
Wight of the Towing Tractor=50000kg
Rolling Resistance Coefficient of Towing Vehicle =0.002
The Velocity of the Aircraft while Towing=18KMPH=5m/s
The density of Air medium=1.225 kg/m^3
The Frontal area of the Aircraft=20 m^2
The Coefficient of Drag of the Aircraft = 0.26
Towing Tractor Gear ratio(G- for high torque output) = 11
Towing Tractor tyre radius(r) = 0.5 m
The forces that are acting on the aircraft are
- i) Rolling Resistance
- ii) Drag Force
- i) Rolling Resistance for the Aircraft
Now. Here the Rolling resistance be
Frr =c. mr. ag
Let.
Frr =Rolling resistance
c=coefficient of rolling resistance
mr=mass
ag =Acceleration of gravity
Now Substituting the values in the above formula
Resistance of the Aircraft gives us the Rolling
Fr(aircraft) = 0.005*(500000 kg)*(9.81 m/s^2)
Fr(aircraft)= 24.525 KN.
Therefore the Rolling resistance of the aircraft Fr(aircraft)= 24.525 KN.
Rolling Resistance for the Towing Vehicle
Now let us calculate the rolling resistance for the Towing Vehicle
Frr =c. mr. ag
Fr(towing)=0.002(50000 kg)(9.81 m/s^2)
Fr(towing)=0.981 KN.
Therefore the Rolling resistance of the Towing vehicle Fr(towing)=0.981 KN.
- ii) Drag Force
Where.
D=Drag force
C=Drag Coefficient
V=Velocity of Towing Vehicle
A=Frontal area
Now Substituting the assumed values in the above the Drag force of the Towing vehicle
Drag Force = 0.5* (0.26*1.225*20*5*5)
Drag Force = 0.079 KN
Therefore the Drag force is 0.079625 KN
Now to get the total force to push the aircraft by the towing vehicle
we add the
=Rolling resistance of Aircraft + Rolling resistance of Towing Vehicle+ Drag Force
= 24.525 KN +0,981 KN+ 0.079625 KN
=25.585625 KN
Therefore the Total force required for a towing vehicle to push the aircraft is=25.585625 KN=25585.625N
Power required to the towing vehicle to pull the aircraft
In this case,
Power=force*velocity
-
Power=25.585625*5.0
Power=127.928125 KW
Therefore the power required for the towing vehicle to pull the aircraft=127.928125 KW=127928.125 W
Simulink Model for the calculated Force and Power
7. A. Design an electric powertrain with type of motor, it’s power rating, and energy requirement to fulfill aircraft towing application in Simulink. Estimate the duty cycle range to control the aircraft speed from zero to highest. Make all required assumptions. Prepare a table of assumed parameters. Draw a block diagram of powertrain. (Hint: DC7 Block)
A) Design an Electric Powertrain with the type of Motor:
Let us Assume:
Weight of the Aircraft =500000kg
Rolling Resistance Coefficient of an aircraft tire =0.005
Wight of the Towing Tractor=50000kg
Rolling Resistance Coefficient of Towing Vehicle =0.002
The Velocity of the Aircraft while Towing=18KMPH=5m/s
The density of Air medium=1.225 kg/m^3
The Frontal area of the Aircraft=20 'm^2
The Coefficient of Drag of the Aircraft =0.26
Towing Tractor Gear ratio(G-for high torque output)=11
Towing Tractor tyre radius(r)=0.5 m
Operational time of the Towing for one cycle=0.25 Hours (15min)
Power converters used Bidirectional DC-DC Boost Converter
We taking calculated values from the above equation
The total force required for a towing vehicle to push the aircraft is =25.585625 KN=25585.625N
Power required for the towing vehicle to pull the aircraft=127.928125KW=127928.125 W
Torque Required with the wheels of towing vehicle to push the aircraft
Torque=force *(radius/Gear ratio)
Torque= 25.585 *(0.5/11)
Torque=11629 KN-m
Therefore the Torque required the towing vehicle to push the aircraft =1.1629 KN-m
- i) Energy Requirements:
The Energy requirement for an EV similar to the Towing vehicle to Push/Pull the aircraft is calculated on the Basin of Time
Let
Energy =Power x Time taken by the towing vehicle to push-pull the aircraft
Energy=127.928 x 0.25
Energy =31.982 KWH
Therefore power required for one single towing is=31.982 KWh
Therefore, the battery must store the energy 31.982 KWH and deliver the energy throughout the run time for the motor to produce the 1.1629 KN-m of torque. Thus the storage of energy in batteries with high-performance Ultracapacitors are selected to fulfil the required power delivery.
Motor Selection:
Here we have selected a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) type that has a power rating of 127.928 kw and with the gear ratio and the transmission, it should be able to deliver 1.1629 KN-m of torque instantaneously.
Motor Parameters:
Type=PMSM
Model No.=APEV80-12(16)
Phase=3
Application Electric bus,Truck,passenger,car
AC Voltage=200-750V
Pole=12
Direct Current Voltage (VDC)=540V
Rated current (A)=255
Peak Current (A)=650
Rated Power (kW)-150
Peak Power (kW) =220
Rated Speed (RPM)=1650
Peak Speed (RPM)-3.300
Rated Torque (Nm)-868
Peak Torque (Nm) =3.000
BEMF (VAC)/rpm=660/2401
Insulation Grade-H Protection
Class IP67
Cooling Water
Weight (Kg)=260
The efficiency of motor=90 % (Assumed Parameter)
Duty Cycle:
Here in this case the Duty cycle of the electric power train is calculated by the output power by the input power By this, we get the efficiency of the duty cycle.
Duty Cycle = Output Power /Input Power
We know that.
Output Power=127.92 kW
Input Power =Rated Motor Power / Motor Efficiency-
Input Power =150/0.9
Input Power=166.666kW
Then
Duty Cycle =127.92/166.666
Duty Cycle =0.76
Duty Cycle =76%
Therefore the Efficiency of the Duty cycle that we get for this electric power train is=0 to 76%
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE POWERTRAIN
Simulink Model of Aircraft Towing Application Using DC7 Block:

- The example shown the DC7 four-quadrant chopper DC drive during speed regulation
- The 200 HP DC motor is separately excited with a constant 150 VDC field voltage source. The armature voltage is provided by an IGBT converter controlled by two Pl regulators
- The converter is fed by a 515 V DC bus obtained by rectifying a 380 V AC 50 Hz voltage source. To limit the DC bus voltage during dynamic braking mode, a braking chopper has been added between the diode rectifier and the DC7 block
- The first regulator is a speed regulator, followed by a current regulator. The speed regulator outputs the armature current reference (in .p.u) used by the current controller to obtain the electromagnetic torque needed to reach the desired speed.
- The speed reference change rate follows acceleration and deceleration ramps to avoid sudden reference changes that could cause armature over-current and destabilize the system
- The current regulator controls the armature current by computing the appropriate duty ratios of the 5 kHz pulses of the four IGBT devices (Pulse Width Modulation). For proper system behaviour, the instantaneous pulse values of IGBT devices land, 4 are opposite to those of IGBT devices 2 and 3. This generates the average armature voltage needed to obtain the desired armature current
- To limit the amplitude of the current oscillations, a smoothing inductance is placed in scenes with the armature circuit.
Output Plot:

B.Also, Design the parameters in an excel sheet

CONCLUSION:
- The reference Aircraft taken here is the Heavy Aircraft build and so our designed towing tractor is a heavy-duty operational vehicle.
- The power requirements are calculated for the particular load to be pushed/pulled and to achieve this power at the motor output, the motor type and its voltage at the terminals are discussed.
- Then the power converters are used to upscale the battery armature voltage to the desired high voltage value so that the motor may spin at full power and required torque can be achieved using a Bidirectional DC-DC Converter.
- Finally, the speed control of the vehicle is done with switching techniques where the Duty Cycle adjustment can change the motor speed from the minimum to maximum
References:-
https://www.aviationhunt.com/aircraft-tyre-construction/
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/move.html
http://learntoflyblog.com/2016/10/10/aerodynamics-forces-in-climbs-and-descents/