Seafire FR47 hook – how does it work?

Thanks very much guys. I am, yet again, amazed by the amount of knowledge on here, and how quickly even the most obscur questions manage to get answered.

Cheers!

Mark,

Thanks for that. I stand corrected.

I had always believed that the hook assembly moved laterally as well.

BR,

Laurie.

I’m hooked.

The hook assembly formed the lower part of the rudder.

Laurie,

I would say that the hook should really be considered an extension of the fuselage. It is basically and aerodynamically the same as the fixed extension, past the stern post, as on the Mk 22 Spitfire, save that it can hinge downward.

The hook section does not operate laterally with the rudder.

The pilot pulls a cable release toggle in the cockpit which operates a lever at the tail and releases the hook assemble to drop by gravity but cushioned by an hydraulic damper. At the point of release the hook extends rear-wards assisted by a long internal spring.

After use the extension is retracted against the spring pressure manually and the hook lifted back into position to engage a sprung loaded catch, just like shutting a door. Not for the faint hearted. 😉

Mark

Seafire FR Mk 47 Tailhook.

Steve,

The hook assembly formed the lower part of the rudder. In flight, the hook was retracted and the whole rudder unit moved as you would expect. For landing, when the tailhook was selected down, the “sting” type hook extended and the bottom part of the rudder lowered.

The arrangement can clearly be seen in the attached photo of a very sorry looking VP457 at 22 FTS, RAF Syerston, on 21 May 1953. Also in the in-flight photo of VP480.

If you have access to ‘Spitfire – The History’, there is a good diagram of the hook assembly on page 582.

BR,

Laurie.