S-3K Viking

[The Rat]

Why not cover the arrestor hook bay for reduced drag?

As far as I know there are many land-based military aircraft with hooks, and many airfields with a recovery system like an aircraft carrier. In some cases it can be safer to 'trap' a damaged aircraft than simply let it careen down the runway until something happens. But I might be wrong. The CF-18 Hornet retains the hook even though Canada no longer has carriers.

[nev]

Correct.  A few years ago a German Tornado @ Waddington suffered brake failure on landing andhad to drop to hook to stop (and the Tonka has thrust-reversers)

[BlackOps]

Well done! A very nice look indeed. 

[Weaver]

Why not cover the arrestor hook bay for reduced drag?

As far as I know there are many land-based military aircraft with hooks, and many airfields with a recovery system like an aircraft carrier. In some cases it can be safer to 'trap' a damaged aircraft than simply let it careen down the runway until something happens. But I might be wrong. The CF-18 Hornet retains the hook even though Canada no longer has carriers.

The RAF one is called RHAG (Runway Hydraulic Arrestor Gear).

http://www.asmgroup.co.uk/products/signs/rhag.html


Martin: that's a very nice S-3!  Given how many air arms adopted and adapted the S-2, it's a bit of a shame that no-one else picked up on the S-3.

[zebedee]

Oh that is a nice bird... and if the rumour mill is to be believed not that from the truth, apparently on retirement from the US Navy the RAF/RN was one of the possible FMS candidates to be targeted for the airframes...  Im still half expecting the Nimrod to end up being cancelled and a squadron of these turn up at Kinloss instead...

Zeb

[Rafael]

Just...lovely!!!

The concept of a medium range maritime patrol has merit and your subject choice is excellent as are the modifications and superb paint scheme.

Rafa

[John Howling Mouse]

Why not cover the arrestor hook bay for reduced drag?

As far as I know there are many land-based military aircraft with hooks, and many airfields with a recovery system like an aircraft carrier. In some cases it can be safer to 'trap' a damaged aircraft than simply let it careen down the runway until something happens. But I might be wrong. The CF-18 Hornet retains the hook even though Canada no longer has carriers.

Yep, even the old F-101 Voodoos had them.  Very nice Viking, Martin!