What is the role of an anti-skid braking system (ASBS) in relation to landing gear?

• A. It increases brake pressure to arrest the wheel spin as quickly as possible.
• B. It modulates brake pressure on each wheel to prevent tire skidding and maintain directional control.
• C. It locks the wheels to prevent skidding by rigidly controlling brake torque.
• D. It disengages braking to allow wheel spin during touchdown.

Answer: (B)

Anti-skid braking on landing gear works by preventing tire lock while braking, using wheel-speed sensors and a controller to actively adjust brake pressure for each wheel. If a wheel begins to slip toward skidding or decelerate too quickly compared with the others, the system reduces the brake pressure to that wheel; as traction returns, pressure is increased again. This keeps tire slip within a safe range, maximizing stopping effectiveness while preserving the ability to steer and maintain directional control, which is especially important during touchdown with potential crosswinds or uneven runway conditions. So the correct description is that the system modulates brake pressure on each wheel to prevent tire skidding and maintain directional control. Avoiding excessive brake force that could cause lock, not locking the wheels, and not disengaging braking during touchdown all align with how ASBS supports safe stopping and steerability.