The Boeing Company

Steven J Trotter

Gary M Lindahl

Beth L Sundquist

Fredrick R Arslan

Frederic R Arslan

An electrically activated landing gear control system is provided. A processing module of landing gear control system is provided with landing gear control system software that receives data relating to the position of a landing gear lever. Proximity sensors positioned at landing gear and wheel well areas of the aircraft are coupled for communication with the processing module. The proximity sensors provide the landing gear control system software with position data relating to the landing gear. The landing gear control software converts the data received from the landing gear lever and the data received from the proximity sensors to command signals to control electrically activated valves associated with landing gear components. The command signals may be sent simultaneously to remote power distribution units and remote data concentrator units to energize or de-energize solenoid coils of the electrically activated valves.

Electrically activated aircraft landing gear control system and method

Methods and systems for performing landing gear operations. In one embodiment, a method for retracting a landing gear is useable with an aircraft having a gear door that at least partially covers a gear well when the landing gear is extended. The method can include receiving a first signal during movement of the aircraft down a runway for takeoff. The first signal can correspond to at least a first aspect of motion of the aircraft, such as upward rotation of the aircraft for liftoff. The gear door can be opened in response to receiving the first signal. The method can further include receiving a second signal after the aircraft has lifted off of the runway. The second signal can correspond to a second aspect of motion of the aircraft, such as the aircraft achieving a positive rate of climb. In response to receiving the second signal, the landing gear can be retracted into the gear well.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Steven J Trotter