10/19/2025
When an aircraft takes off, its landing gear wheels are spinning at tremendous speeds — sometimes over 300 km/h (190 mph) at liftoff. If these wheels were retracted while still spinning, the resulting friction and imbalance could damage the gear bay or even cause dangerous vibrations. To prevent this, modern aircraft are fitted with brake de-spin systems that automatically stop wheel rotation as soon as the landing gear leaves the runway.
These systems work using hydraulic or electrically actuated brakes that activate momentarily right before the gear folds into its housing. The brief jolt or low “thump” passengers sometimes feel shortly after takeoff is actually this system engaging — a small but essential part of flight safety. Some advanced aircraft even synchronize braking electronically with gear retraction to ensure a smooth transition.
This clever piece of engineering prevents wear on tires, protects the landing gear structure, and maintains aerodynamic efficiency during climb-out. It’s one of the many behind-the-scenes technologies that keep modern aviation remarkably safe and efficient — all happening in seconds, often unnoticed by travelers on board.