Abstract: A ground propulsion assembly for an aircraft includes an axle, a wheel rotatably connected to the axle, and a transmission. The transmission includes a housing mounted proximate the axle and a drive element disposed at least partially outside of the housing and operatively connected to a power input. A mounting bar extends between the axle and the transmission and a mounting bar first end is rigidly connected to the axle, and the transmission is pivotally connected to a mounting bar second end. A spring is disposed between the transmission and the axle and the spring is configured to urge the drive element out of engagement with the wheel. An actuator is operatively connected between the transmission and the axle, and is configured to selectively generate a force in opposition to the disengagement spring such that the drive element moves relative the wheel and operatively engages the wheel.

Abstract: A ground propulsion assembly for an aircraft includes an axle, a wheel rotatably connected to the axle, and a transmission. The transmission includes a housing mounted proximate the axle and a drive element disposed at least partially outside of the housing and operatively connected to a power input. A disengagement spring is disposed between the transmission and the axle and the disengagement spring is configured to urge the drive element out of engagement with the wheel. An actuator is operatively connected between the transmission and the axle, the actuator being configured to selectively generate a force in opposition to the disengagement spring such that the drive element moves relative the wheel and operatively engages the wheel to transfer torque to the wheel.