What happens to thrust required when landing gear is lowered?

When the landing gear of an aircraft is lowered, thrust requirements typically increase due to the additional drag that the landing gear creates. The landing gear, when retracted, has a streamlined profile, which minimizes air resistance and allows for better aerodynamic efficiency. However, once the landing gear is deployed, it interrupts the smooth airflow around the aircraft and generates additional drag.

As the landing gear opens up and the associated drag increases, the engines must produce more thrust to maintain the same airspeed during the approach and landing phases. This is particularly important when the aircraft is in a low-speed condition, where the impact of drag is more pronounced. Pilots must be aware of this increase in thrust requirement to ensure that they have sufficient power available to maintain safe flight parameters during landing.

Understanding the dynamic relationship between landing gear deployment and thrust is crucial for effective flight operation, especially during critical phases of flight such as landing.