Why are titanium alloys used in aircraft airframes and landing gear?

Titanium alloys are extensively used in aircraft airframes and landing gear primarily due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, which allow for durable yet lightweight structural components.12

In addition to their favorable strength-to-density characteristics, these alloys are valued in aerospace engineering for the following reasons:

• Corrosion Resistance: Titanium exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of structural parts exposed to various environmental conditions.31
• Toughness: The material possesses good toughness, making it reliable for high-stress applications such as landing-gear supports, fasteners, springs, and internal wing-support components.1
• Versatility: Because of these mechanical properties, titanium content in airframes can range from 2 percent to 30 percent by weight, depending on whether the aircraft is for commercial or military use.1

By combining these physical attributes, titanium alloys enable the development of high-performance aircraft capable of withstanding severe mechanical stress while maintaining structural efficiency.34