Retractable landing gear system for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft

A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft comprising:

• a fuselage;
• a main rotor supported by the fuselage;
• and
• a retractable landing gear system comprising:
• a rotational strut rotatably coupled to the fuselage, the rotational strut including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween;
• a drag strut including a first end portion pivotally connected directly to the rotational strut, a second end portion, and an axle extending through the second end portion, the axle supporting a wheel assembly;
• a locking link including a first end section pivotally connected relative to the fuselage, a second end section pivotally connected to the drag strut and an intermediate section having a hinge element that facilitates folding of the first end section relative to the second end section;
• and
• a retraction system operatively connected to the rotational strut and the locking link, the retraction system being operable to pivot the drag strut about a first axis and rotate the rotational strut about a second axis that is distinct from the first axis.