PSA’s lower lobe lounge was soon seen as a lost revenue opportunity, but could not be turned to pax space – as 747 upper lobe lounge was – because the nose gear was designed to collapse into it in a heavy landing.
From the Lockheed “L-1011-1 Features and Characteristics Technical Summary” on page 22 reads: “The below-deck loung replaces the forward cargo compartment and is reached from the main cabin by a compact two-flight stairway. Variations can include a bar plus up to 16 longe seats with ample walk-around space or up to 18 saleable seats“.
On the five L-1011’s that had below-deck lounges a unit called the Nose Landing Gear Pod, was installed just aft of the NLG. The Pod consisted of a fiberglass outer shell, internal bracing and energy absorbing material, which allowed passengers to be in the lounge during takeoff and landing. When lounges were deactivated the Pods were removed. The last L-1011 with a below deck lounge is the Flying Hospital and the lounge area has been turned it to the check-in area.
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