Hi

  There is another airplane in recent times that had nosewheel brakes and I
have flown it both before and after the removal.  That airplane is the 727
as several others have said. The primary reason that they removed the
nosewheel brakes was cost and minimal improvement in stooping distance.  You
have an easy way to improve stopping distance without nosewheel brakes and
that is to add up elevator (pull the stick back) as you add the brakes and
it makes a substantial difference.  You get aerodynamic drag from the full
up elevator (must have brakes on hard) and significantly better braking with
the improved weight on the main tires.

   I worked in experimental flight test for a major manufacturer and the
measured distance was in the 15% range comparing forward pressure, neutral,
and full aft, but I don't have the figures anymore.

Jack Webb ATP
L 360, L IV