Russian aircraft - what is that on the fin?
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From: UK
Russian aircraft - what is that on the fin?
Always wondered, but never thought to ask. What is that pod that most of the older generation of Soviet-era jet transports (Tu 134/154 and Il 62/76 for example) have on top of the fin? I just can't think what it is as there doesn't seem to be an obvious equivalent anywhere on other manufacturer's aircraft.
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From: London,Bucharest...wherever...
There is no DU on the TU134, 154 and IL62, in this case it is purely a forward pointing aerodynamic fairing. On the TU's the fairing is fixed to the tailplane, the IL62 fairing moves with the angle of the all moving tailplane which alters angle dependant on flap setting, low airspeed etc.
Top Dog
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From: Close to FACT
Found this here
.... the component that poses the greatest risk are the Flight Control Counter-Balance Weights. The weights are made of depleted Uranium 238, which are 100% Cadmium Plated, emits low levels of radiation that is not harmful to humans, but these weights must be handled with caution. The true danger arises if a person were to grind through the cadmium plating. This action would cause radioactive Alpha particles to become airborne. Ingestion of these particles may cause irreparable damage to one's internal tissues. Maintenance professionals should remember that, if grinding is a required action, use gloves, industrial eye protection and a respirator. Gloves, wrapping material, wiping cloths, respirator filters, or any other articles used in the handling of damaged balance weights should be discarded and appropriately labeled as radioactive waste and disposed of accordingly. For more information see Advisory Circular 20-123 - AVOIDING OR MINIMIZING ENCOUNTERS WITH AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH DEPLETED URANIUM BALANCE WEIGHTS DURING ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.
.... the component that poses the greatest risk are the Flight Control Counter-Balance Weights. The weights are made of depleted Uranium 238, which are 100% Cadmium Plated, emits low levels of radiation that is not harmful to humans, but these weights must be handled with caution. The true danger arises if a person were to grind through the cadmium plating. This action would cause radioactive Alpha particles to become airborne. Ingestion of these particles may cause irreparable damage to one's internal tissues. Maintenance professionals should remember that, if grinding is a required action, use gloves, industrial eye protection and a respirator. Gloves, wrapping material, wiping cloths, respirator filters, or any other articles used in the handling of damaged balance weights should be discarded and appropriately labeled as radioactive waste and disposed of accordingly. For more information see Advisory Circular 20-123 - AVOIDING OR MINIMIZING ENCOUNTERS WITH AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH DEPLETED URANIUM BALANCE WEIGHTS DURING ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.
Title? What title?
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: In the dog house
Didnt the issue of DU first hit the headlines following the EL AL 747 freighter crash on the Amsterdam suburb when a few years later, luekemia rates in the area showed a sudden upturn ?
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Zanzi's Bar
Had the laugh of my life!
DU my a--!
On all Russian jet airliners with T-tail this fairing houses the actuator ( on bigger - hydraulic, on smaller - electric) for positioning the stabiliser...
Stop the bulls--t. That's it.
On all Russian jet airliners with T-tail this fairing houses the actuator ( on bigger - hydraulic, on smaller - electric) for positioning the stabiliser...
Stop the bulls--t. That's it.
Last edited by swish266; 16th January 2004 at 21:32.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: London,Bucharest...wherever...
The forward pointy thing on the tail of a TU134/TU154 does not contain DU (why should it as it doesnt move and is not a control surface), it does not contain the jackscrew which is within the vertical tailplane itself at the top, it does not move, it is an aerodynamic device which has effect on the airflow over the tailplane
A Russian GSGA Inspector has just told/confirmed to me on the phone
A Russian GSGA Inspector has just told/confirmed to me on the phone
