Tailhook Problems

[bcadoo]

I don't know if this is by design or a bug. 

You can't retract the tailhook with the gear up.  You can extend it but it will not retract until you lower the gear and then retract the gear.

Once the gear is extended you can raise and lower the tailhook at will.

[Rolex]

If you were in an F4U, the tail wheel doors have to be open for the tail hook to move into the retracted position. So, the gear would have to be down.

Actually, I think you'll find that the indicator shows the tail hook extended if the gear is up, but it is not extended if you look from external view. If the indicator displays the hook extended, the tail hook will extend automatically when the gear is lowered, since the tail wheel doors will be open.

There was a mechanical interlock in the F4U that prevented lowering the tail hook without the gear lever being in the down position.

All other US planes should retract or extend regardless of landing gear position. I don't know the answer off hand for IJN planes.

 

[bcadoo]

I noticed the indecator in the corsair first, but tested in the seafire and zeke before posting.

[fuzeman]

"Tailhook problems"... that's what the NAVY said.     I'll shadddup now.