M2
Sorry, didn't see the video of the carrier landings on the previous page.
It certainly is forward, almost at the base of the wings.
Doesn't the U2 have a solid spar running from one side to the other and the wings are bolted on to the fuselage ? (My apologise for the very bad terminology). I'll see if I can find a reference.
Could the hook being so far forward be connected to this to stop it pulling the aircraft apart ?
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