Final answer:
Five systems affected when an airplane lands and activates a squat switch include the landing gear, flaps, thrust reversers, spoilers, and anti-skid systems. These systems coordinate to transition the aircraft from flight to landing mode, ensuring safety and control on the runway.
Step-by-step explanation:
The systems that will be affected when the airplane lands and closes a squat switch are: Landing gear, flaps, thrust reversers, spoilers, and anti-skid. These systems are critical for the safety and operation of the aircraft during the landing phase. The squat switch indicates to the aircraft systems that the plane has landed, triggering different systems to transition from flight to ground operations.
For instance, the landing gear needs to be down and locked for the aircraft to land safely. The flaps are adjusted to ensure the plane can maintain lift at the slower speeds required for landing. Thrust reversers are deployed to help slow down the plane, also decreasing the reliance on wheel brakes. Spoilers are used to reduce lift after touching down, which also aids in braking effectiveness. Lastly, the anti-skid system helps prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding, which could cause loss of control on the runway.
This question falls within the field of aeronautical engineering, which involves understanding the complex systems within an aircraft that function together to ensure a smooth and safe flight operation, especially during critical phases like landing.