Transall, the name rings a bell.
What really worried the wheels were the 3 nuclear armed bombers at the touchdown end and the prospect of a hole in the runway.
Archimedes,
It was only the F104A with the downward seat. Good theory. High level interceptor and a downward bang would reduce back injuries and not require a large push to clear the tail.
Clearly the main limitation occurred in the recovery or departure case.
Certainly the Ruskies thought it a cracking idea which they incorporated in the Blinder. Their low level was about 1000-1200 feet!
Mind you they HAD bang seats.