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Post by paulashman on Nov 1, 2012 15:20:26 GMT 12
Got a good instructions sheet, getting on with making a TA 4K skyhawk but have come across small hooks near the main undercarriage which I assume was for carriers...
Most other questions I can get the answers by looking on websites at photos but haven't seen anything this close to show whether or not RNZAF scooters had the hooks?
Does anyone know?
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Post by the.x.man on Nov 1, 2012 17:36:11 GMT 12
Something like this?  (I'd cheerfully credit the photo - but I've had it for ages and can't remember where I found it...) |
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Post by ErrolC on Nov 1, 2012 17:49:12 GMT 12
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Post by skyhawkdon on Nov 1, 2012 18:14:10 GMT 12
The hooks in question were catapult hooks (in the main landing gear wells attached to the front spar). Our original TA/A-4Ks had them but they were removed in the 80s as part of the wing refurbishment, so it depends on what era you are making it for whether you leave them on or not.
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Post by the.x.man on Nov 1, 2012 18:35:10 GMT 12
Aha... seems like I had the wrong idea altogether. My apologies  |
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Post by shorty on Nov 1, 2012 18:41:48 GMT 12
The catapult hooks were removed at ASF Ohakea when the aircraft came in for their first 50 hour check (Check 2)
I was on Team 1 at ASF who did the A4 check servicings. I was also on the team that fitted the kinky fuel probes
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Post by skyhawkdon on Nov 1, 2012 18:46:28 GMT 12
Thanks Shorty. That would be right. The hooks and the linkages were removed then but the fitting on the spars wasn't removed until the wing refurb.
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Post by paulashman on Nov 2, 2012 5:52:58 GMT 12
Thank you people! I'm doing one of the earlier skyhawks and shall leave them off!
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Post by skyhawkdon on Nov 3, 2012 17:23:27 GMT 12
I took these at the Air Force Museum today to show everyone what we are talking about. The hooks are linked to the undercarriage so when it is down the hooks are extended. When the gear is raised the hooks retract to allow the wheel to fit into the wheel well. Port U/C well hook   Linkage attached to hook  RH U/C well  Hook in retracted position  |
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Post by paulashman on Nov 3, 2012 19:46:57 GMT 12
Hey, that's fantastic -very much appreciated -thanks! I think I'll change my mind and stick 'em on!
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Post by shorty on Nov 3, 2012 20:18:24 GMT 12
You'll have to do it with fern leaf roundels then!
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Post by davidd on Nov 4, 2012 8:38:11 GMT 12
Catapult hooks on US Navy aircraft go back a long way - I recall seeing the ones fitted to the SBD-4 Dauntless at the RNZAF Museum (originally mislaid February 1944 with 25 Squadron, recovered in late 1980s/early 1990s), although this aircraft no longer on display. These hooks looked pretty rugged o me, and when I first saw them I instantly "knew" what their purpose was - a certain sign of too much reading of aircraft enthusiast books and magazines as a teenager (yes, I was one of those, for ten long years, technically).
David D
David D
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jaybee
Squadron Leader
Posts: 122
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Post by jaybee on Nov 4, 2012 8:45:32 GMT 12
And you can buy one if you want. There was one on eBay recently for $80USD.
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