Why airplane tyres are small compared to its body?

Answer 1

With the notation of the previous answer that applies to aircraft with retractable landing gear, the same is true of fixed gear aircraft.

Aircraft save on weight where they can through all phases of flight, and they try to save on induced/profile drag during most flight phases. Smaller tires means less weight and less drag.

Due to the leverage exerted on the wheel by the inertia of the aircraft travelling across the ground in taxi and landing, smaller wheels and tires allow the aircraft to shave a lot of weight off aircraft by using smaller brakes than would be required by larger tires operating at the same speeds.

Answer 2

Some are some are not . Storing retractable gear in wings or in the fuselage while in flight becomes impractical with large wheels. Also smaller wheels with less inertia will get up to speed faster upon touchdown reducing the sudden jolt and torsional forces to the landing gear. Another factor is the drag created by larger wheels reducing the takeoff and landing performance of the airplane. Airplanes need to cut weight wherever possible to maximize efficiency and increase the payload capacity.

Answer 3

Just about all tires are small compared to the aircraft body, you look at a regional jet they are several times the size of a normal car but the wheels are smaller... and if you look at the proportion between a 747 wheels and bady... but thats a tough question to answer... i would say ALL. But there is alot more of them on an airplane than a car... unless you get into the small cessnas and pipers.

Answer 4

Cuz they have to be retracted up into the wings usually, or the interior. Not alot of room so they are small and tough.

Answer 5

..... you have to keep things light safe and small ....... can you imagine the retraction of under carriage with big...... tractor type ....... wheels ...........