Bucket on the tail?
 

Hi guys,

Please pardon me if this qns has been asked before in the previous forum.I'm kind of curious about the "bucket" that they always attached to the empennage section of the test platforms.It looks like the probe and drogue system that they use on the kc-135/ka-6d .Is it some sort of a sensing device ? My guess is it is some sort of instrumentation sensor though I can't really figure out what's its function is exactly.Greatly appreciate if any of you guys could point out its function.Thanx!!

Do you mean something like you can see on the F-22 on this site?

http://www.edwards.af.mil/gallery/html_pgs/f-221-99.htm

Take a look at the 4th one down.

As far as I can see its used in case the aircraft undergoes an unrecoverable departure from controlled flight. It is a parachute that is used so the pilot can regain control.

Hope this is what you meant.

Vibes, I think that you are referring to a trailing cone. This is a conical ‘bucket’ that enables measurement of the free air static pressure at some distance from the airframe which could induce false static readings. It is smaller than the in-flight refuelling hose and drogue system.

A cone is often seen on Boeing test aircraft, where on the ground the cone and pipe/cable hang down from the top of the fin; other manufacturers use an airborne deployable system that extends from a drum in the fuselage.

Hi guys!!

Thanx fer d replies.I really appreciate it.

jb5000,sorry but that wasn't d one i was refering.Aniwae's realli appreciate d info u provided.Learnt something new there :D

Yeps alf5071h,dats d one ;)

When it measures static pressure,does it act to verify the static pressure measured on d pitot-static tube? I'm sorry if it sounds kinda silly but I'm juz curious guys :O

Thanx fer d replies ;)

Vibes

Yes, it's used to verify/calibrate the aircraft's static system. From the measured delta, a set of pressure error graphs can be generated, or, where errors are excessive, corrective modifications to the aircraft static ports may be required.
The cone is usually just to provide drag to trail the perforated hose.

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Cheers