Apparatus for rotating an aircraft wheel prior to landing

Apparatus for causing an aircraft wheel to rotate in an airflow may comprise a plurality of wind catching members (54; 128)(fig, 10) disposed about a central axis 20 (110) which may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind-catching members may comprise sails extended by a piston and cylinder arrangement 24 in a wheel axle 20, which causes pivotal movement of arms 44, 46 to which the sails are connected so that the sails project beyond the outer periphery of the aircraft wheel in the extended position. In a second alternative arrangement (figs. 9 to 14) the wind-catching members (128) are mounted on a central mounting portion (118) which, during movement between the retracted and extended positions, is displaced axially so that the wind-catching members (128) are displaced radially with respect to the central axis (110). In a further arrangement (figs. 15 to 19) involving no moving parts, the wheel is driven by air directed from at least one nozzle or vent arranged to expel air at least partially circumferentially.