What's that sticky out thingy?

[Onan the Clumsy]

I saw a Challenger land at DAL on Friday and there was a little hatch low down on the right hand side at the front of the fusulage by the NLG.

It was about say 18 inches by 6 (probably a little larger really) but there was a probe sticking out of the hatch, like an inflight refueling probe, but a lot smaller and it seemed to have a small propellor on it. Perhaps it was a backup altenator or something.

Anyone got any ideas?

TIA

[sanket_patel]

Hmmm seems odd but it seems to me like it's the RAT (Ram air turbine)... used normally when other power sources (ie THE ENGINES!) are not giving the juices. Tell me that you heard the engines! It could be that they were testing it.

[Onan the Clumsy]

ha ha ha.

I was getting clearence at the time so I didn't hear nutn'.

It'd be too small to be a propulsion source, but could have been a backup electrical source.

The a/c landed ok though and nobody got out and kissed the ground.

[604guy]

Hi

What you are describing is indeed a RAT on the Challenger series of aircraft. I hope it was extended for testing purposes or someone had been having a lousy day.

[Onan the Clumsy]

Thanks chaps. .

[604guy]

Bic

Ok Ok, wasn't going to get hung up on termonology. Been on courses in the past where the instructors too have refered to it as a RAT. In fact been at the factory in YUL and heard that term used. But will concede to your correction. :D

Regards