In 2007, Ford made a commercial were a truck was used to stop a cargo airplane. It was a demonstration about how tough the truck was. But, is it possible? Yes. Here is the commercial:
According to inside sources, the commercial did use a stock truck and a real plane. Before the stunt was performed they had to do some math. Brake engineer Thomas Hall explains the math behind the commercial and explains why brakes are more powerful than the engine on trucks.
Our 15 Minutes: Can A Truck Stop A Plane?
Engineering and servicing brake systems has likely never been considered a “glory job.” However, it is certainly a necessary, challenging and rewarding occupation. Our contribution to driver safety and confidence can be rivaled by few others outside the medical domain.
When I first started in the brake industry, I quickly came to a point where I was underwhelmed by the glory of it. I had friends from engineering college headed off to NASA and to build planes and tanks. Some even got to go brew beer.
One day I was griping to my father about my conundrum and he made a comment that stuck with me to this day. He said, “Son there are a very few greater acts of faith in the existence of mankind than that which occurs when a person steps on a brake pedal.”