K,
 
    We don't know what will actually happen to a Nylon or Phenolic ball when it hits the asphalt at 60 mph.  Perhaps it would self-destruct - perhaps it would only roll.
 
    Point is, it only has to work once to prevent damage to the airplane.  If it does get damaged, it's simple and cheap to replace the ball...
 
    I kinda like the idea of a rollerblade with several rollers contacting the runway at the same time....

Jack Beale
jack.beale@att.net <mailto:jack.beale@att.net>
 
 
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----- Original Message -----
*From:* Marvin Kaye <mailto:marv@lancaironline.net>
*To:* Rotary motors in aircraft <mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
*Sent:* Wednesday, April 13, 2005 3:00 PM
*Subject:* [FlyRotary] Re: Fw: Gear-UP Landings - problem solved...?

Hi Jack,

I've used these rollers in the glass industry for longer than I care to admit
to.  The reason they work nicely in an industrial application is because they
don't have to spin real fast (generally) and the surface of the ball stays
relatively nice and shiny allowing the bearings that it seats in to do their
job.  I'm afraid that with a nylon ball after its initial contact with any
runway surface its exterior will be damaged so quickly that it won't be able
to "float" on its bearings, and it will soon turn into another "hockey puck".