REFLECTOR: 165 kt Gear Extension Speed

[Al Gietzen]

It seems clear that the first step toward 165 kt gear speed is removal of
the gear doors.  I think we have at least four testimonials that it does not
have a noticeable effect on performance.  My guess is that main gear legs
and wheels are plenty strong to handle the direct wind loads.  

We don't know if there may be some vibration loading due to vortex shedding.
It seems unlikely given the stiffness of the legs, but some testing would
need to be done to make sure.  The other potential problem may be
aerodynamic "lift", or "buffeting" of the leg/wheel assembly before it is
locked down, resulting in slack in the retract cables, and the cable coming
out of the groove in the pulley.  

Just some thoughts . . . 

Al