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U-2

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samballs

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2005
Posts
1,511
Ok I have seen when the U-2 takes off the wheels on the tips stay on the ground. What happens when the plane lands, does it just come to a stop and rest on the wing tip?
 
Yes. There are skid plates on the wing tips to prevent damage.

We try to come to a stop perfectly balanced by using the available wind, ailerons, roll spoilers and transfering fuel between the wings. Sometimes we can, other times we can't.
 
Yes. There are skid plates on the wing tips to prevent damage.

We try to come to a stop perfectly balanced by using the available wind, ailerons, roll spoilers and transfering fuel between the wings. Sometimes we can, other times we can't.


thanks
 
Yes. There are skid plates on the wing tips to prevent damage.

We try to come to a stop perfectly balanced by using the available wind, ailerons, roll spoilers and transfering fuel between the wings. Sometimes we can, other times we can't.

The skid plates are made of titanium from old SR-71's that have been cut up. They change them out when they wear down.
As long as the wingtip doesn't hit a raised object, it's usually not an issue for the wingtip to drag along the runway.
 
Hey, Huggy: The man whose wife is named for "Dandy Don" told me that he routinely lands without touching the wingtips, taxis in to parking, does a cartwheel over the nose, landing on both feet with arms outstretched to the sides, while appearing in no way effeminate, to the applause of what is now a crowd of crew chiefs, maintainers, and envious fellow pilots. A couple of lucky Yuba City belles who won some sort of contest then place the wheels up under the wingtips while the mayor is putting a key to the city around Je.... I mean the pilot's neck. I couldn't get him to tell me how he taxis it without smacking the wingtips but he said you'd confirm it.
 
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Yes. There are skid plates on the wing tips to prevent damage.

We try to come to a stop perfectly balanced by using the available wind, ailerons, roll spoilers and transfering fuel between the wings. Sometimes we can, other times we can't.

Just like in a glider, minus the roll spoilers and fuel transfer of course......;)
 
Hey, Huggy: The man whose wife is named for "Dandy Don" told me that he routinely lands without touching the wingtips, taxis in to parking, does a cartwheel over the nose, landing on both feet with arms outstretched to the sides, while appearing in no way effeminate, to the applause of what is now a crowd of crew chiefs, maintainers, and envious fellow pilots. A couple of lucky Yuba City belles who won some sort of contest then place the wheels up under the wingtips while the mayor is putting a key to the city around Je.... I mean the pilot's neck. I couldn't get him to tell me how he taxis it without smacking the wingtips but he said you'd confirm it.

I have mobiled for and flown with "the man whose wife is named for Dandy Don" and I can tell ya' that story ain't true! :D

Now if you'd like to hear about my last landing...
 
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That situation is not unique. We all have that experience so, Je...I mean that pilot is simply relating normal U-2 pilot experiences.

Razor on the other hand is just jealous because his cartwheel tends to be on the effeminate side and the pogo crew is usually a couple of the women from the old folks home who won the pogo honor at the weekly bingo.
 
I'm putting my cartwheels on hold until my hip replacement. In the interim, I settle for sipping a Scotch brought to me on a golden tray by my mobile and crew chief.
Je.... I mean "said individual", is becoming quite the practical joker: yesterday, he pinned my car in by parking 1/8" from my driver's door. Revenge will be mine.
He has a new call sign, too: "Growler".
 
I think the best part of the U-2 Program is all the brotherly love we have for our fellow Pipehitters.

Lookin' forward to having you back at Det 0 Kuma.
 

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