Definition
An aircraft wheel brake that uses one rotating disc (rotor) keyed to the wheel and squeezed by stationary friction pads (pucks) housed in a caliper bolted to the landing gear. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pucks clamp both faces of the disc, converting the wheel's rotational energy into heat and slowing the aircraft.
Plain English
A brake that works like a car's disc brake -- one metal disc spins with the wheel, and pads on each side squeeze it to slow the aircraft down.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft landing gear, wheel brake, maintenance, and preflight inspection discussions.
Derivation
Single' indicates one disc, distinguishing this design from multiple-disc brakes used on heavier aircraft that need more friction surface to absorb higher landing energies.
Why Pilots Care
Proper function is critical for safe stopping distances and preventing runway overruns.
Analogy
It works much like a bicycle disc brake: a round disc turns with the wheel, and pads squeeze the disc to slow it down.
Intuition Check
“Single-disc” does not mean the aircraft has only one brake. It means each brake assembly uses one disc as the surface the pads squeeze.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight, the student checked the single-disc brake on each main wheel for pad wear and signs of hydraulic fluid leakage at the caliper.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics replace the linings on single-disc brakes more frequently than on multi-disc systems due to higher wear rates.