A folding assembly is movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration includes a first rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to a structural member/frame and a second end. The folding assembly also includes a second rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to the structural member/frame and a second end. A first connecting link is pivotably coupled between the first rotating link and the second rotating link. A first end of a second connecting link is pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end. The folding assembly further includes a support link having a first end pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end and a second end configured to couple to a component to be moved. The support link is configured to selectively move the component between, inclusively, a retracted position and a deployed position.

A folding assembly is movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration includes a first rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to a structural member/frame and a second end. The folding assembly also includes a second rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to the structural member/frame and a second end. A first connecting link is pivotably coupled between the first rotating link and the second rotating link. A first end of a second connecting link is pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end. The folding assembly further includes a support link having a first end pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end and a second end configured to couple to a component to be moved. The support link is configured to selectively move the component between, inclusively, a retracted position and a deployed position.

A system for shrinking landing gear includes a shock strut having a cylinder and a piston to be received by the cylinder. The system further includes a collar coupled to a brace linkage and the piston, a torque arm configured to resist rotation between the collar and the piston, and a shrink linkage coupled between the torque arm and the cylinder. The collar rotates relative to the cylinder in response to retraction of the landing gear. Rotation of the collar rotates the piston and the torque arm relative to the cylinder. The rotation of the collar relative to the cylinder forces, via the shrink linkage, the piston towards the aircraft attachment within the cylinder.

A system for use with a landing gear of an aircraft includes a drag brace assembly having an upper end configured to be rotatably coupled to the aircraft and a lower end configured to be rotatably coupled to a shock strut of the landing gear. The system further includes a jury linkage having a brace portion configured to be pivotally coupled to the drag brace assembly and a strut portion pivotally coupled to the brace portion and configured to be rotatably coupled to the shock strut.

A system for use with a landing gear of an aircraft includes a drag brace assembly having an upper end configured to be rotatably coupled to the aircraft and a lower end configured to be rotatably coupled to a shock strut of the landing gear. The system further includes a jury linkage having a brace portion configured to be pivotally coupled to the drag brace assembly and a strut portion pivotally coupled to the brace portion and configured to be rotatably coupled to the shock strut.

A system for use with a tripod landing gear assembly of an aircraft may comprise: a tension strut assembly having a tension strut extending from an upper end to a lower end; a drag brace assembly having an upper brace and a lower brace, the upper brace pivotably coupled to the lower brace at a center point, the lower brace rotatably coupled to the lower end of the tension strut; and a jury linkage pivotally coupled to the drag brace assembly at the center point rotatably coupled to a middle portion of the tension strut, the middle portion between the upper end and the lower end

A retractable landing gear system for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft includes a rotational strut rotatably coupled to a fuselage of the VTOL aircraft. The rotational strut includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A drag strut includes a first end portion pivotally connected to the rotational strut and a second end portion. A locking link includes a first end section pivotally connected relative to the fuselage, a second end section pivotally connected to the drag strut and an intermediate section having a hinge element. A retraction system is operatively connected to the rotational strut and the locking link. The retraction system is operable to pivot the drag strut about a first axis and rotate the rotational strut about a second axis that is distinct from the first axis.

A retractable landing gear system for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft includes a rotational strut rotatably coupled to a fuselage of the VTOL aircraft. The rotational strut includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A drag strut includes a first end portion pivotally connected to the rotational strut and a second end portion. A locking link includes a first end section pivotally connected relative to the fuselage, a second end section pivotally connected to the drag strut and an intermediate section having a hinge element. A retraction system is operatively connected to the rotational strut and the locking link. The retraction system is operable to pivot the drag strut about a first axis and rotate the rotational strut about a second axis that is distinct from the first axis.

A landing gear including a shock strut assembly including an outer cylinder coupled to an airframe, a wheel movably coupled to the outer cylinder so as to reciprocate substantially along a longitudinal axis of the outer cylinder, and a shrink mechanism including a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the shock strut assembly, a drive member coupling the pivot arm to a landing gear retract mechanism, a driven member coupled to the pivot arm, a first shrink link member coupled to the pivot arm by the driven member, and a second shrink link member coupled to the first shrink link member and to the shock strut assembly. Rotation of the pivot arm by the drive member, effects a folding movement between the first shrink link member and the second shrink link member, and the folding movement effects at least a retraction of the wheel relative to the outer cylinder.

A landing gear including a shock strut assembly including an outer cylinder coupled to an airframe, a wheel movably coupled to the outer cylinder so as to reciprocate substantially along a longitudinal axis of the outer cylinder, and a shrink mechanism including a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the shock strut assembly, a drive member coupling the pivot arm to a landing gear retract mechanism, a driven member coupled to the pivot arm, a first shrink link member coupled to the pivot arm by the driven member, and a second shrink link member coupled to the first shrink link member and to the shock strut assembly. Rotation of the pivot arm by the drive member, effects a folding movement between the first shrink link member and the second shrink link member, and the folding movement effects at least a retraction of the wheel relative to the outer cylinder.