Why do airplanes have wheels?

Question

Do they really need them?

Answer 1

I agree with John B, there a people that doesnt need them and as they say. there are 2 types of pilots that has done wheels up landing and those who will. I havent yet.

Answer 2

Because people that buy 200 Million dollar airplanes like to use them more than one time

Answer 3

Ducks don't. (Seaplane, etc.) But yeah, I agree with the reply "b/c they like to use them more than once".

Airplanes carry fuel in the wings. Can you imagine a low-wing aircraft skidding down the runway, sparks a-flyin'? Don't you think that could cause some flame issues?

Answer 4

Nah they don't need wheels. Some idiot proves that at least once a  year.

Answer 5

Why do you have feet?

Answer 6

Airplanes have wheels so that they can land properly in the ground

Answer 7

While flying, airplane does not need wheels, it adds drag, but when it comes to land, wheels are used on ground, floats in water and skis in snow.

Answer 8

Not all airplanes have wheels.  Some have skis, or pontoons.  

But yes, most airplanes that land on dry land need wheels.  Or else you'd have single-use airplanes, and landings would be pretty rough.

Answer 9

Until someone comes up with a better alternative, I guess we'll roll on wheels. Even VTOL aircraft like the Harrier and the new F-35 still have wheels. Helicopters have skids because that's all the only way they take off and land, vertically.

Conventional fixed wing aircraft need to be able to move forward as they accelerate in order to move air over the wings; that's what creates the lift necessary for flight. Wheels seem the most logical method of letting the aircraft move forward.

Answer 10

Yes Baby Girl, they have wheels so rubber tires can be mounted on them. Tires are needed for take offs and landings.

Assume the position...

Answer 11

Airplanes have wheels to reduce friction during taxiing, or when basically driving around the airport. Imagine if you had to drive to work without wheels.

They're also important for takeoffs and landings on runways, because fixed-wing aircraft require forward motion to maintain lift, therefore, the wheels reduce the friction with the runway so the airplane can accelerate more easily.

Also, when landing, the reduced friction helps make a smooth and comfortable landing, and brakes are used to add more friction to stop the airplane after it's safely established on the ground.

Answer 12

Nah, they are for decorative purposes!

Can we hire you to carry the plane and run at least 100 mph for the plane to take off =)

Answer 13

yes to land otherwise you would die they also need them to turn and to take off less its a water landing craft

Answer 14

yes, airplanes need wheels. some have other things though, mainly depends on the enviornment they are landing on. But most commercial jets have wheels. They need wheels so that they can take off and land. Think about it, how would you take off/land without wheels?

       Hope this helps! :]

Answer 15

Well... you know you forgot to lower your landing gear when it takes full power to taxi.

Answer 16

Airplanes have wheels to land on land, to taxi, and be towed.

Also, the air (actually, nitrogen) in the tires cushion the landing a bit, just like car tires cushion the road some (ever wonder why cars don't have solid rubber tires, like a kids tricycle? they'd ride sooo rough, but you'd never have a flat).

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet had an ejectable landing gear. It was used for take off, then jettisoned. The plane then slid in on it's belly.

Answer 17

I have and idea try to land a plane on a concrete runway without wheels.