A torque transmission system is provided for an aircraft drive wheel drive system mounted on nose or main landing gear wheels to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground that effectively transmits torque through drive system components. The drive system includes a drive means capable of generating sufficient torque to move the aircraft, a drive system capable of generating a high torque capacity that activates the drive means, a clutch assembly that can be selectively engaged to control torque transmission to the drive system and activate the drive means, and a landing gear torque takeout element. The clutch assembly is configured to be inactivated and prevented from transmitting torque to other drive wheel drive system components when an overtorque event occurs. Aircraft drive wheel drive system components in the present torque transmission system are designed to withstand torque in excess of a determined maximum for the system.