How is the landing gear primarily controlled?

The landing gear is primarily controlled electronically and operated hydraulically due to the need for reliability and precision in the complex environment of aircraft operations. This system allows for the efficient management of the landing gear's deployment and retraction, ensuring that it functions correctly under various conditions.

In modern aircraft, hydraulic systems provide the force necessary to move and position the landing gear, as they can handle the significant loads and stresses encountered during the aircraft’s takeoff and landing phases. The electronic controls allow pilots to manage these hydraulic systems effectively from the cockpit, enabling them to receive feedback on the landing gear's status and make informed decisions.

This combination of electronic control with hydraulic operation enhances safety and performance, as it ensures that the landing gear responds promptly to pilot commands while also allowing for monitoring of system integrity.

Other methods of landing gear control, such as manual operation or independent wheel control, are not commonly employed in modern aircraft due to the potential for increased error and decreased efficiency. Wireless connections to cockpit instruments would also introduce reliability issues, which are critical in aviation.