Author Topic: Tail hook function change in new update (Read 1615 times)

Widewing · « **on:** November 16, 2006, 09:47:50 AM »

In the description of the changes in the new update to be released today, I saw that tail hooks can onlt be lowered when the gear are down. Does this apply only to the F4Us?

I ask because the SBD, SB2C, TBM, F4F-4, FM-2 and F6F-5 tail hooks were completely independent of the landing gear, with separate controls. All could lower the hook with the gear up. In fact, lowering the hook with the gear up was a Navy requirement. It was needed in the event that a plane was unable to lower its landing gear and would make a belly landing on the flight deck. They preferred to catch a wire and keep the plane out of the barrier, and thus reduce the possibility of getting through the barrier and into the planes parked forward. While the F4U's hook was attached to the tail wheel assembly, it did have its own actuator and dashpot. I do not know if the hook could be lowered with the tailwheel up, but I would think the Navy would have insisted that it must.

My regards,

Widewing

Benny Moore · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2006, 10:40:21 AM »

I don't think it mattered in the previous version of the game whether the tailhook was down or not; whether or not I lowered it, my aircraft still stopped within a few feet of landing on the carrier deck. Hopefully, that's changed; I haven't tried the new patch yet.

1Duke1 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2006, 12:20:10 PM »

WW,

I'm glad you posted this, because it had me wondering "why?" as well.

It is still common practice today to have the hook down when returning to the boat.

Thanks

Simaril · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2006, 05:04:24 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 1Duke1
WW,

...snip...

boat.

...snip...

Thanks

BOAT????

BOAT????

Boats are what fishermen use on little bitty lakes.

Boats are how crewman reach the REAL vessel, the SHIP.

It's rare that I get to contribute anything in this forum...I couldnt let it pass...

FLS · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2006, 05:54:39 PM »

Simaril, I have heard that although sailors know them as ships, Naval Aviators call them boats and occasionally are gently reminded that the pointy end is the front.

E25280 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2006, 07:42:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Simaril
BOAT????

BOAT????

Boats are what fishermen use on little bitty lakes.

Boats are how crewman reach the REAL vessel, the SHIP.

Friendly reminder that little boats of the undersea kind pwnd more "real vessels" than ships did.

Jester · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2006, 06:39:28 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Simaril
BOAT????

BOAT????

Boats are what fishermen use on little bitty lakes.

Boats are how crewman reach the REAL vessel, the SHIP.

[/size]

Naval Aviators have a tendancy of calling the carrier "The Boat" as a good natured barb to their fellow Blue Water Sailors.

If you know any hard core or long time veteran sailors ask them what would happen if you would call the ship a "Boat" in front of an Officer or Petty Officer.

!

badhorse · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2006, 06:46:35 AM »

Must be aircraft specific. Last night I landed a Zeke on a CV. I lowered the hook prior to lowering the landing gear. No problems.

Mister Fork · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2006, 03:00:29 PM »

I tried to land a Zeke last night with a damaged left gear from a combat collision. Since I was HOPING to land gear up and hook down only, I was frustrated I HAD to land with the right gear down only.

What would of been a belly-down landing with the hook grabbing - I ended up landing on the right wheel, then onto the left wing, cartwheeled right off the carrier on the left. Weeeeee

Can we please allow hooks down without gear?

Mace2004 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 18, 2006, 12:30:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Simaril
BOAT????

BOAT????

Boats are what fishermen use on little bitty lakes.

Boats are how crewman reach the REAL vessel, the SHIP.

[/size]

Boats...they're those things that float out in the water. Sometimes they put a flat roof on them so they can also serve a purpose. It's also the place I kept my stereo for when I wasn't flying.

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #10 on:** November 18, 2006, 12:39:40 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mister Fork
I tried to land a Zeke last night with a damaged left gear from a combat collision. Since I was HOPING to land gear up and hook down only, I was frustrated I HAD to land with the right gear down only.

What would of been a belly-down landing with the hook grabbing - I ended up landing on the right wheel, then onto the left wing, cartwheeled right off the carrier on the left. Weeeeee

Can we please allow hooks down without gear?

Why didn't you just leave the gear up? A Zero can fly slow and with gear up just fine on a CV.

Golfer · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:25:36 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kermit de frog
Why didn't you just leave the gear up? A Zero can fly slow and with gear up just fine on a CV.

That's not the point. If it could do it...why change it? If I had to land a zero on a carrier in WWII with the gear up I would want the hook if i could get it.

To my (limited) knowledge the F4U should be the only airplane the hook/gear thing applies to though I'm sure WW's theory is right...you should be able to get the hook down (even with a tailwheel freefall of some sort) independent of the main gear.

Mister Fork · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2006, 12:12:16 AM »

Agreed Golfer. I was after realism: I don't land on airfields wheels up so I can re-up quickly. I cycle the airfield at the proper entry point, cross over 1 km back into the final landing pattern, flaps down 5-15 degrees, wheels down, and trim in my landing. I'm a realismtard.

Golfer · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2006, 12:17:12 AM »

HTC needs a gear warning horn. under 160mph throttle at idle you get a horn if the gear isn't down. That would discourage that

I think maybe I subconsiously worry that one day I'll really leave the wheels up and bring my airplane to a screeching scratching halt. Wonder if I just hop out and smile the passengers will even know the difference?

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2006, 05:01:13 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Golfer
That's not the point. If it could do it...why change it? If I had to land a zero on a carrier in WWII with the gear up I would want the hook if i could get it.

To my (limited) knowledge the F4U should be the only airplane the hook/gear thing applies to though I'm sure WW's theory is right...you should be able to get the hook down (even with a tailwheel freefall of some sort) independent of the main gear.

I thought his point was that he HAD to land with gear down? I merely suggested that this was UNTRUE.

I have no knowledge of the gear/hook systems in WWII so I am unable to comment on that subject as of now, but maybe it was done for gameplay reasons and not for historical accuracy.