Why are some nose wheels the same size as the mains?

kicktireslightfires

kicktireslightfires

Pre-takeoff checklist
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kicktireslightfires
Usually, the nose wheel is smaller than the main wheels. But why is that? And does anyone know why sometimes an OEM for LSAs will make the nose wheel and the mains all the same size? Is a smaller nose wheel any more or less stable during high-speed taxi? Is there any reason to use a nose wheel that's smaller than the mains on a fixed gear airplane other than weight and drag?

Thanks in advance for your insight.
 
Sometimes a larger nosewheel is installed if the plane will be used for off-airport operations. A larger tire has a larger contact patch and is less likely to bog down on soft ground.
 
The nose wheel carries very little weight. Much like the tailwheel on a TW aircraft, which is usually a glorified shopping cart wheel. The mains are often bigger because they (should) take all of the landing forces and carry most (90%) of the weight. A bigger nose wheel adds significant weight and drag, but can be nice for soft fields as mentioned, or ham-fisted students. Cherokees generally run all the same size. Another benefit is only having to carry one size tube if you carry a spare. Cherokee 6's run all the same size, but the Lance has a smaller nose wheel to help it tuck up into the fuselage when retracted. I believe the Arrow is the same.
 
kicktireslightfires said:
Usually, the nose wheel is smaller than the main wheels. But why is that?
Click to expand...
Lower landing loads on the nose wheel.

kicktireslightfires said:
And does anyone know why sometimes an OEM for LSAs will make the nose wheel and the mains all the same size?
Click to expand...
As mentioned off-airport ops, more prop clearance, etc.

kicktireslightfires said:
s a smaller nose wheel any more or less stable during high-speed taxi?
Click to expand...
If been told larger wheel makes for more stabile ground ops.
 
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