The component described as the air-oil shock absorber is commonly known as what?

• A. Shock absorber
• B. Leaf spring
• C. Oleo strut
• D. Hydraulic shock

Answer: (C)

In aircraft landing gear, the air-oil shock absorber is known as an oleo strut. This unit blends a gas-filled chamber with oil to provide both spring and damping functions. The gas (often air or nitrogen) acts as the spring, absorbing the load as the wheel compresses on landing, while the oil flows through a restricted path as the piston moves, delivering damping to control the rate of compression and extension. This combination makes the oleo strut a compact, reliable energy absorber used in most gear systems. Other terms like shock absorber are too generic, leaf springs refer to a different suspension type, and hydraulic shock is not the standard designation for this component.