30-210A – Cleveland Wheels & Brakes External Dual Caliper Brake Assembly
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Cleveland 30-210A is a heavy-duty, high-energy external brake assembly specifically engineered for the rigorous operational demands of the Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A. Designed by Parker Hannifin’s Aircraft Wheel & Brake Division, this assembly features a dual-caliper architecture, providing double the clamping force and thermal capacity of standard single-caliper systems. In the world of aerial application and firefighting, where the AT-802 operates at maximum gross weights (up to 16,000 lbs) from short, unimproved dirt strips, the 30-210A is the primary system ensuring safe, controlled decelerations and high-torque static holds during engine run-ups.
The 30-210A utilizes an "external" mounting configuration, placing the calipers and discs outside the wheel well for maximum exposure to ambient airflow. This design is critical for rapid heat dissipation during high-frequency "turn-and-burn" landing cycles. Constructed from high-strength magnesium or aluminum alloy housings and featuring chrome-plated pistons, this assembly is built to resist the corrosive fertilizers and fire retardants synonymous with Air Tractor operations.
Key Features
Dual-Caliper Configuration: Incorporates two independent brake calipers per wheel, significantly increasing the total friction surface area and total kinetic energy absorption capability.
External Disc Design: Positioned for optimal cooling, reducing the risk of "brake fade" and fluid boiling during heavy-load braking on short runways.
High-Torque Performance: Provides the necessary static braking power to hold the AT-802 at full takeoff power during pre-flight checks, even when loaded to maximum hopper capacity.
Corrosion-Resistant Components: Features specialized coatings and stainless-steel hardware to withstand the aggressive chemical environments of agricultural and firefighting missions.
Ease of Maintenance: The external "open" architecture allows for rapid inspection of brake pad thickness and disc condition without removing the main wheels.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 30-210A
Manufacturer: Cleveland Wheels & Brakes (Parker Hannifin)
Component Type: External Dual-Caliper Brake Assembly
Application: Air Tractor AT-802, AT-802A, AT-802F
Number of Calipers: 2 per assembly
Piston Type: Chrome-plated steel for wear and corrosion resistance
Brake Lining: Organic or Semi-Metallic high-friction pads (Check specific fleet requirements)
Hydraulic Fluid: MIL-H-5606 (Mineral-based)
Disc Interface: Compatible with Cleveland 164-series high-energy discs
Certification: FAA-PMA / TSO-C26
Aircraft Compatibility
Air Tractor AT-802 / 802A: Standard high-capacity braking for the PT6A-67F and -67AG variants.
Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss: Essential for amphibious operations where heavy braking is required upon transitioning to land runways.
Note: The 30-210A is a specific "heavy" option; always verify your aircraft's landing gear configuration in the Air Tractor Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC).
Applications
The 30-210A is utilized for High-Energy Kinetic Energy Absorption. Its primary roles include:
Emergency Braking: Stopping a fully loaded aircraft in the event of a rejected takeoff (RTO).
Short-Field Landing: Providing the aggressive deceleration required for landing on restricted-length agricultural strips.
Ground Maneuvering: Enabling precise differential braking for tight turns on narrow taxiways and loading pads.
Why Choose 30-210A?
Choosing a genuine Cleveland 30-210A ensures that the clamping force is perfectly balanced across both calipers. Non-genuine or mismatched components can lead to "brake chatter" or uneven pad wear, which significantly reduces the life of the brake discs. Furthermore, the 30-210A is designed with a specific volumetric displacement that matches the master cylinders of the AT-802, ensuring the pilot has a firm, predictable pedal feel rather than a "spongy" response that can occur with unauthorized brake modifications.
The 30-210A functions as a Hydraulic-to-Mechanical Transducer governed by the principle of Friction Work. Kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy ($Q$) through the interface of the brake linings and the rotating disc. By utilizing a Dual-Caliper design, the 30-210A effectively doubles the clamping force ($F_c$) for a given hydraulic pressure ($P$), following the equation $F_c = P \cdot A \cdot 2$. This allows for a significantly higher braking torque without requiring the pilot to apply excessive foot pressure. The "External" nature of the assembly ensures that the convective heat transfer coefficient ($h$) remains high, preventing thermal glazing of the pads—a common issue in high-gross-weight operations where internal brakes would quickly reach their thermal limit.
Note: This is a flight-critical safety component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic. Inspect the brake discs for minimum thickness and heat warping before installing new 30-210A calipers. Ensure all hydraulic lines are flushed and air-free post-installation. Use only FAA-approved brake linings and torque all bolts to the values specified in the Cleveland Maintenance Manual.
Documentation
Additional Product Overview
The brake assembly and disc combination (part of the main wheel assembly) are designed and qualification tested to properly and safely decelerate the aircraft under various conditions.
Unauthorized substitution of components can compromise brake effectiveness, which is a violation of the qualification basis and is prohibited.
The brake assembly is an external floating caliper-type design and can be made of either cast magnesium or aluminum. The brake assembly consists of one or more pistons depending upon the aircraft's requirements. A brake assembly can also consist of multiple calipers, one forward and one aft of the landing gear, and contain multiple pistons in each caliper.
To actuate the brake assembly, hydraulic pressure is applied via the pilot's and co-pilot's master cylinder, which enters the brake via lines connected to an inlet fitting on the caliper. The pressure then flows through the cylinder and forces the pistons outward the pressure plate. The caliper should be free to slide on the torque plate assembly bushings, allowing both pressures and back plate linings to contact the brake, which will contact the brake disc at precisely the same time.
The braking action generates a torque that transmits a braking force converting the kinetic energy into heat, which is absorbed by the brake disc and surrounding components. This braking force is transmitted to the wheel and into the tire, bringing the aircraft to a stop. Releasing the toe pedal relieves the hydraulic pressure from the brake caliper, thereby removing pressure from the disc.
The wheel should be free to rotate with minimal drag. Some caliper designs incorporate a mechanism in the piston that will retract the piston and attach pressure plate lining away from the disc. These units are self-adjusting and retract to obtain approximately 0.02 to 0.04 inches of lining clearance to the disc.
Applications
General and business aviation, turboprop passenger, and helicopter.
Features and Attributes
- • Ease of maintenance; no need to jack up aircraft for lining change
- • Easy installation and removal from aircraft for overhaul
- • Lower cost of operations
- • Generic component maintenance manual for external floating caliper design available online
- • Worldwide distributor network for quick parts availability
Optional Features
Designed to meet aircraft specifications with mating TSO qualified wheel assembly.
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