What is the primary purpose of the landing gear oleo strut?

• A. To store fuel on the gear.
• B. To support the aircraft on the ground and absorb touchdown energy by converting vertical load into hydraulic or gas pressure, and to assist vehicle alignment during retraction/extension.
• C. To steer the gear during taxi.
• D. To retract the gear hydraulically.

Answer: (B)

The oleo strut acts as the landing gear’s shock absorber. On touchdown, the vertical load is converted into pressure inside the strut—through hydraulic fluid and a compressed gas charge—so the impact is damped and the landing loads are spread safely into the gear and airframe. This energy absorption is what lets the airplane sit smoothly on the ground after landing and helps protect the structure from hard landings. The strut also helps keep the gear properly aligned as it extends and retracts, guiding the wheel into and out of the gear bay. Storing fuel, steering the gear, or retracting the gear are not its primary roles.