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Old 20th October 2005 | 08:35
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Argus
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Australia
Thanks Orac. Old men forget.

Back in the halcyon days of the FAA (and when Lossie was the jewel in the crown of naval aviation), the front line hook equipped naval aircraft then in service (i.e. F4, Buccaneer, Vixen, Gannet) were designed for deck arrested landings. Ergo wire engagements weren't usually a problem.

These aircraft were also able to trample the raised wires at the upwind end of the runway, as could the Hunter T8 and GA11 then in naval service. Not so the visiting Lightnings, Gnats, F104s, F5s and F105s, who always had to backtrack after landing.

There was always speculation about the ability of the hook equipped Hunter T8 and GA11 to withstand a wire engagement at speed. I saw a T8 engage the CHAG at Mill Town (the Lossie satellite) in the late 60s, after a 'flame out' returning from Rosehearty Range. After a perfect glide, the aircraft survived. Unfortunately, the pilot didn't, as he used the seat on the ground outside of the ground level/90 knots envelope.
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