US Patent 7798444 Landing gear system and load distribution

In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises a plurality of hoop frame support members and a landing gear enclosure comprising a curved surface. The plurality of hoop frame support members abut against and extend over the curved surface to provide support to the landing gear enclosure. In another embodiment, loads are transferred from a landing gear strut through a strut fitting, through at least one inner surface of the landing gear enclosure, through at least one outer surface of the landing gear enclosure, and into the plurality of hoop frame support members.