Definition
An aircraft wheel brake that uses friction discs made of carbon fiber composite rather than steel. Carbon brakes are lighter than steel brakes, tolerate much higher operating temperatures, and absorb more energy per pound, making them the standard choice on most jet transport aircraft.
Plain English
A type of aircraft brake whose friction discs are made of a carbon material instead of metal. It weighs less, handles more heat, and lasts longer than a metal brake of the same size.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems, landing gear, maintenance, and braking discussions, especially on larger turbine aircraft.
Derivation
Carbon refers to the carbon fiber composite material the discs are made from. Brake comes from an old word meaning to stop or hold back. The name is direct: a brake whose working surfaces are carbon rather than steel.
Why Pilots Care
They provide shorter stopping distances, resist fade under repeated hard braking, and reduce aircraft weight for better fuel efficiency and payload.
Intuition Check
Carbon brake does not mean a brake covered with carbon or soot. It means the brake’s main rubbing parts are made from carbon material.
Example Sentence 1
The 737NG uses carbon brakes, which is one reason the aircraft saves significant weight compared to earlier models with steel brakes.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance replaced the worn carbon brake discs during the overnight check to ensure full stopping power on the next flight.