KT97-310

Load-bearing function of the KT97-310 wheel

During landing, taxiing, turning and parking, the KT97-310 carries a large part of the helicopter ground load. The wheel must withstand repeated vertical loads, side loads during maneuvering, and dynamic forces that occur when the helicopter moves over concrete, prepared strips or less even operating surfaces. A damaged wheel, incorrect tire condition or worn mounting area can affect ground handling and create additional stress in the landing gear. For this reason, the wheel is inspected not only as a tire carrier, but as a structural landing gear component.

Braking role of KT97-310 with KT97-220 units

The KT97-310 operates together with KT97-220 series brake assemblies. Depending on installation side and configuration, the wheel may be paired with KT97-220-1 or KT97-220-2 brake units. The brake assembly is installed inside the wheel and acts on the wheel’s braking surfaces to create deceleration during landing rollout, taxiing and ground handling. This means the wheel and brake should always be treated as a matched system. If the brake is correct but the wheel drum or seating areas are worn or damaged, braking performance can still be affected.

KT97-310 on Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters

The KT97-310 is used on Mi-8T, Mi-8MT, Mi-8MTV, Mi-17 and related helicopter variants depending on landing gear configuration. In these aircraft, the wheel forms part of the main landing gear braking system. Before ordering or replacing the wheel, the exact aircraft modification and landing gear configuration should be checked against the parts catalog. Mi-8 family helicopters may have different equipment layouts, service bulletins or wheel-and-brake combinations depending on production year, modernization level and operator documentation.

Tire compatibility of the KT97-310 wheel

The KT97-310 is associated with an aircraft tire size of 865 × 280. This tire size is used on the main landing gear wheel set and must be installed according to aircraft maintenance instructions. During service, technicians normally check the tire seating, wheel drum condition, bead seating area, fasteners, valve position, signs of heating, corrosion and mechanical damage. The tire and wheel assembly must remain within approved operating limits, because tire pressure, wheel condition and brake heat all influence each other during landing and taxiing.

Inspection and service of KT97-310

In operation, the KT97-310 should be checked together with the brake assembly, tire and landing gear axle interface. Typical inspection points include the wheel body, drum area, mounting surfaces, bearing seats, bolt holes, cracks, corrosion, deformation, overheating marks and compatibility with the installed KT97-220 brake. If braking is uneven, the wheel heats excessively, or the tire shows abnormal wear, the issue may not be limited to the tire or brake alone. The wheel itself should also be inspected as part of the complete landing gear braking system.

Supply and documentation for KT97-310

For procurement, the full designation KT97-310 or КТ97-310 should be stated clearly, along with the required condition and documentation. The wheel may be supplied as a standalone unit, with tire, or as part of a wheel-and-brake set depending on the order. For aircraft use, passport or manufacturer documentation is important because it confirms designation, acceptance, condition, storage or repair status and suitability for installation. Before installation, the wheel should be matched with the aircraft parts catalog, brake unit type and tire specification.