From: thunder@rmii.com (Ed Rasimus) Newsgroups: rec.aviation.military Subject: Re: Does the F117 have a tailhook? Date: Wed, 05 Feb 1997 16:35:16 GMT jackryan@ptw.com wrote: >> I don't diasagree about the F-117 not having a tailhook. However, according to >> Clancy's Fighter Wing, the F-15 has a tailhook. However I have no idea what it >> is used for, as the gear are not string enough for cats and traps. >> >They are used in emergencies and, I imagine, in war. Suppose if your >runways are damaged, would you rather end air operations or reduce your >landing length with a tailhook? Tail hooks on USAF aircraft aren't generally used for "traps," and with the exception of the F-4 and A-7 which were originally Navy aircraft designs, they aren't even used in the USAF for approach-end engagements. The tailhooks, which have been in all tactical aircraft since the Century Series, are used for departure end emergencies. The hook is deployed during high speed abort situations or landing roll-out emergencies like drag-chute failure, brake failure, utility hydraulic failure or icy runway. The hook engages a cable rather than running the aircraft into a "jet barrier" type webbing. Less damage, quicker recycle time, etc. The hooks are generally spring loaded and retained by explosive bolt until deployed. They are not hydraulically controlled and once extended they must be re-cocked by maintenance. The F-4 and A-7 had Navy style tail hooks, hydraulically controllable from the cockpit and adequate for approach-end engagement, although arresting gear on land runways provides for about three times the runout of a carrier trap. USAF used the system for heavyweight landings such as with retained ordinance as well as for a number of emergency situations which resulted in reduced directional control on landing. Ed Rasimus *** Peak Computing Magazine Fighter Pilot (ret) *** (http://peak-computing.com) *** Ziff-Davis Interactive *** (http://www.zdnet.com) |