VC10 front U/C door question....

[Tupperware Pilot]

...was at Duxford yesterday. Took the below photo, which made us as ask. What's he use of the bits on the doors with the holes in? Looks very draggy?
There is a photo of the VC1- taking off/landing with the front doors shut...
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/8993498509_f074412bf6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tupperware_pilot/8993498509/) VC-10 doors.. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tupperware_pilot/8993498509/) by Air Frame Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tupperware_pilot/), on Flickr

[alisoncc]

It's important that the holes are visible for easy checking on preflights, as when they line up unnoticed bad things happen.
:ok:

[DH106]

I suspect it's something to do with managing the airflow during a free-fall gravity extension ? Perhaps the slipstream without those panels in place hinders the initial part of the nose gear tyres emerging ?

Related nose gear question: anyone else noticed the lack of external doors around the nose leg itself when extended - giving the nose gear a fairly unique 'uncluttered' look. Checked it out some time ago - it seems that the 'hole' left by the nose leg itself when retracted is covered by a small panel that slides down and forwards from the rear.

[Dan Winterland]

''I suspect it's something to do with managing the airflow during a free-fall gravity extension''.

Spot on!

''Related nose gear question: anyone else noticed the lack of external doors around the nose leg itself when extended - giving the nose gear a fairly unique 'uncluttered' look.''

It was pointed out to me on my VC10 course. A good example of just how well designed it was.

[Tupperware Pilot]

thanks guys....that has answered he question.....
cheers

[BEagle]

Related nose gear question: anyone else noticed the lack of external doors around the nose leg itself when extended - giving the nose gear a fairly unique 'uncluttered' look.

Jet Provost was similar....

[DH106]

Well - if I remember right from when I checked it out, the JP has 2 small external doors around the nose leg which are sprung towards the closed position, rather than an internal flap like the VC-10. The nose leg forces them open as it extends, and they spring closed as it retracts. But you're right - it has a nice uncluttered look :)

[Terry McCassey]

VC10 and BAC 1-11 very similar design philosophy yet they managed without the Swiss cheese doors on the 1-11. British aeronautical engineering at it's best and sadly now a thing of the past . . .

[Exascot]

It was pointed out to me on my VC10 course.

Many things were pointed out to me on my VC10 course but I am darned if I can remember them :(

We had an examiner who would stick his finger over a static pressure port and ask what wouldn't work in flight if it was blocked. You are hardly going to send out the Flt Eng at altitude with a toothpick!

If you are on this forum 'A' don't forget your demonstration, on my command training, of how to get into Kathmandu the punchy way - that was exciting. Famous last words being 'perhaps there is only one way to get into Kathmandu' :eek: