Did You Know Modern Airplanes Have “Brake Pads” Made of Carbon? 

When we think of aircraft technology, we often think of powerful jet engines, fancy wings, and complicated avionics. But one of the most vital (and least appreciated) systems on any airplane is an airplane’s braking system especially during landing, when stopping a 200-ton airplane traveling at 280 km/h is no easy feat. 

Incredibly, the material making this possible is neither steel nor titanium. It is carbon–carbon composite, the same material used in space shuttles and Formula 1 race cars. 

The Role of Brakes in Flight 

During takeoff and landing, airplane brakes are subjected to the harshest stress: 

High speeds (up to 300 km/h) 

• Heavy loads (hundreds of tons) 

• Extreme heat (to 1,500°C) 

• Friction and wear 

Braking systems must perform in every environment — from rejected takeoffs (RTOs) to frozen runways. 

That is where carbon-carbon brake discs come into the picture. 

What Are Carbon-Carbon Brakes? 

Carbon-carbon composite is made by weaving carbon fibers into a matrix and then treating it with high temperatures to form strong carbon bonds. The result is a lightweight, heat-resistant, and durable material. 

Aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 use this material because: 

• It withstands extreme heat without melting or deforming 
   

• It’s 50% lighter than traditional steel brakes 
   

• It performs better at high speeds and altitudes 
   

Why Aren’t They in All Planes? 

Carbon-carbon brakes are more expensive and complex to manufacture. For small regional or older aircraft, steel brakes are still used due to cost-efficiency. 

But for modern jets and military aircraft, the performance benefits outweigh the cost. They also reduce aircraft weight leading to fuel savings and reduced emissions, which is critical in today’s aviation industry. 

A Shared Tech with Spacecraft and F1 

The same material used in these brakes is also found in: 

• Spacecraft heat shields (like the Space Shuttle tiles) 
   

• Formula 1 cars (for rapid, high-temperature braking) 
   

• Missile nose cones and hypersonic vehicles 
   

This shows how aerospace engineering overlaps with automotive and space technologies pushing materials science to the limit. 

So Next Time You Fly… 

Remember: the smooth landing you experience isn’t just about the pilot or the runway. 
It’s thanks to carbon fiber brakes, stopping you with space-age precision.