KT97-220-1

Braking function of KT97-220-1 on Mi-8 helicopters

During ground operation, the KT97-220-1 helps slow the helicopter, hold it in position and control movement on the airfield or landing site. The brake is especially important after landing, when the main wheels need controlled deceleration, and during taxiing, when the crew may need short, precise brake inputs. On heavier helicopters such as the Mi-8 / Mi-17 family, the brake must handle high dynamic loads and repeated heating cycles. A weak, leaking or incorrectly adjusted brake assembly can affect stopping distance, parking hold and directional control on the ground.

KT97-220-1 inside the KT97-310 wheel

The KT97-220-1 is designed to work with the KT97-310 main brake wheel. It is mounted inside the wheel drum and matched to the geometry of the main landing gear axle and brake flange. The brake assembly is used with the 865 × 280 tube-type aircraft tire installed on the corresponding wheel. This fit is important because the brake shoes, drum, mounting flange and air supply connection must all align with the approved landing gear configuration. The unit should not be selected only by general wheel size or aircraft type; the full brake and wheel designation must be checked.

Pneumatic actuation of the KT97-220-1 brake

The KT97-220-1 is a pneumatic shoe-type brake. When the crew applies the brake, compressed air is supplied from the helicopter pneumatic system into the brake actuator chamber. The textile-rubber brake bladder expands and presses the friction shoes against the inner surface of the rotating wheel drum. This creates braking force. When air pressure is released, the brake shoes return from the drum and the wheel can rotate freely again. The system is simple, but its reliability depends on clean air, correct pressure, good sealing and proper condition of the friction elements.

Side execution and KT97-220-1 / KT97-220-2 difference

The KT97-220-1 is one execution of the brake assembly, while KT97-220-2 is the corresponding opposite-side or mirrored version, depending on production series and air-line arrangement. This distinction matters during ordering and installation. The two assemblies may be similar in function, but they can differ by air connection direction, mounting orientation or side application. For a maintenance request, it is better to specify the complete designation, the side of installation if known, the wheel type KT97-310, and the helicopter modification. This helps avoid receiving the wrong brake execution.

Wear items and service checks for KT97-220-1

The KT97-220-1 includes friction elements and an actuating mechanism that should be checked during maintenance. The most important inspection points are brake shoe wear, condition of heat-resistant linings, actuator bladder integrity, sealing, air connection condition, mounting surfaces and signs of overheating or uneven contact inside the drum. Since the brake works in a pneumatic system, contamination or moisture in the compressed air can also affect service life. If the brake response is weak, uneven or delayed, the fault may be in the brake assembly itself, but also in the air supply, reducing valve, lines or control mechanism.

Supply, resource and documentation for KT97-220-1

The KT97-220-1 is aircraft technical equipment and is normally supplied with passport or manufacturer documentation. For installation, the documentation should confirm designation, condition, acceptance, storage or repair status, and resource limits. The assembly may be supplied individually or as part of a wheel-and-brake set, depending on the order. When buying for service use, it is important to clarify whether the part is new, first-category from storage, repaired, overhauled or supplied with friction elements installed. For aircraft operation, the brake must be matched with the KT97-310 wheel and the applicable Mi-8 / Mi-17 maintenance documentation.