In the 747 normal max gear extension speed was 270 knots and could be left extended to 320 knots. Tire speed was for the 400 235 mph (204 knots) and for the -8 landing up to 260 mph. Sounds like a lot, but touch down at Mexico City max landing weight, 195 knots TAS over the fence, and add maybe little tailwind and there you are!!
Another tire speed issue was flying the twin engine Boeing 737-400 out of Denver. In a twin the climb gradient in case of the loss of one is the limiting factor, so we would use what was called "Improved Climb", in effect you raced down the runway, rotating at a high speed so that you had less drag once airborne. I think it was something like flap 5 takeoff and rotate at 192 knots??
Poor abused tires, not a lot of miles on them!
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