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Old 20th Dec 2004, 09:37
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Genghis the Engineer
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So far as I know, you can - although given a choice and suitable surface most pilots would probably rather have the gear down using the reserve hydraulic system (of-course depending upon what has been determined as most sensible for that aircraft). I recall a case not long ago where a Hawk was dead-sticked into an island somewhere off Scandwegia after the engine failed over the North sea.

I suspect that the reason why in most cases a pilot will elect to eject rather than land in the event of an engine failure is speed. I don't have the numbers to hand, but I'm sure somebody can fill us in - but in general a fast jet will land at speeds at-least 50% greater than a later model piston engined fighter. If you add 50% onto the speed, that adds 125% onto the kinetic energy. This energy has to be dissipated, and you will need considerably more length of flat "field" to land in. But it can be done, and has been done, where conditions are favourable.

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