Definition
Pivoting structural members in a retractable landing gear system that connect the gear leg to the airframe and lock the gear in the down position. When the gear is extended, the linkages align (often slightly over-center) to form a rigid load path that resists the rearward and vertical forces of landing and taxi; when the gear retracts, they fold to allow the gear to swing into its bay.
Plain English
A set of jointed metal arms that hold the landing gear firmly in place when it's down, and fold up out of the way when the gear is pulled up into the airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in retractable landing gear descriptions, gear inspection items, and abnormal gear-extension discussions.
Derivation
Drag' refers to the rearward force the strut is built to resist when the wheels meet the runway. 'Strut' comes from an old Germanic word meaning a rigid supporting brace. 'Linkage' means a set of connected, pivoting parts. Put together: jointed braces that handle the rearward loads on the gear.
Why Pilots Care
Proper function prevents the gear from jamming during retraction, which could lead to unsafe flight conditions.
Analogy
Think of how a folding ironing board has hinged legs that snap straight and lock when opened, then fold flat for storage. The drag strut linkages do the same job for the landing gear.
Intuition Check
Do not read “drag” here as aerodynamic drag. In this term, it refers to front-to-back forces acting on the landing gear structure.
Example Sentence 1
After lowering the gear, the pilot waited for the green light confirming the drag strut linkages had locked into the down-and-locked position.
Example Sentence 2
During gear retraction, the drag strut linkages ensure that the struts collapse without binding.