Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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.

Context Anchor

Seen in retractable landing gear descriptions, gear items, and abnormal gear-extension discussions.