It seems that perhaps an underlying intent of the discussion is to actually stop shorter, versus just knowing how long/short of a runway is safe (under various conditions), or any potentially extraordinary procedures during an emergency situation.

 

If you are working under the assumption of dry pavement, perhaps enhanced brakes are an option.  Since the diameter is probably fixed due to the wheel/wheel well configuration (no retractable tundas), it seems one might look into a second set of calipers and/or multiple disks (similar to the arrangement on many larger jets).  There would of course be a weight penalty, a wear/longevity degradation of the rotors/disks, and added heat generation you may need to consider.  I believe the Formula One guys use carbon based disks which might be an option.

 

It just seems like there may be some added capability and/or advanced technology available.  My corvette has much larger tires, but can de-accelerate hard enough to almost make you sick.

 

With additional frictional braking capability, then the next concern becomes skidding, so an anti-locking controller/actuator might then be considered.  Additionally, maximum braking action would be possible with more weight/downforce on the tires.  So, perhaps an auto flaps retract mechanism on touchdown, and/or at a pre-selected airspeed (perhaps also tied to the squat switch for added safety), to get all the weight on the tires and minimize pilot workload.

 

Maybe us ES guys could install dual’ie tires/wheels/brakes or tundra tires, but the wheel pants would be quite large (grin).  Of course, the more dependent you are on brakes, the more critical they become, so a nylaflow upgrade is probably also in order (I couldn’t resist).

 

A beta (reversing pitch) prop might also be a thought.  Why don’t folks put them on piston motors?  Is it the concern over low rpm/high torque stresses?  Just food for thought - think how interesting the discussion would be at the airport to not only go 250+kts, but to also then stop like a sports car after touchdown (even with little tires).

 

Rick Titsworth