Which landing gear type is characterized by a 3-wheel configuration?

The type of landing gear characterized by a 3-wheel configuration is tricycle gear. This design includes one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear, resembling an aircraft's landing gear setup. The tricycle gear configuration provides several advantages, including improved stability during takeoff and landing. It allows for better handling on the ground and minimizes the risk of the aircraft tipping over during landing. This configuration also aids in visibility for the pilot during taxiing, as the nose wheel acts as the steering point.

In contrast, skid gear typically refers to a system found on helicopters or some specialized aircraft that involve landing on skids rather than wheels, and float gear is designed for water landings, featuring floats instead of traditional wheels. Fixed gear describes a landing gear system that is permanently attached and does not retract, often not specifically defining a 3-wheel setup.