Vanguard with a tail steady?

[TSR2]

I remember a thread years ago about tail support on the VC10ski and where the real VC10 used one. By chance tonight I came across this!

Thought it was an interesting one. I'm not sure who the original credit is for, as it seems to be a flickr link and it turned up in search results.

[DaveB]

Yup.. the tail stead was always used on the Merchantmen. There's a shot online somewhere of a BEA Merchantman that had either not fitted the steady or it had been fitted in a hap-hazard fashion. Needless to say.. the aircraft is sitting on it's arse with the nose gear in the air in a similar state to the VC10. PEP has one fitted at Brooklands
ATB
DaveB

[TSR2]

Another School Day... Thanks Dave

[Kevin Farnell]

I remember a thread years ago about tail support on the VC10ski and where the real VC10 used one

I believe that the tail support on the 'VC10ski' (Il-62 'Classic') was integral to the aircraft and could be raised or lowered from the flightdeck. Furthermore, it had wheels and tyres which when it was raised acted as rear fuselage protection against over rotation.

Regards

Kevin

[TSR2]

Hi Kevin,

Yes, that's right. I seem to remember the thread went on for quite a while, and reference to the defueling cockup at Brize Norton with 806.

[Tako_Kichi]

Smaller planes had them too, the Grumman Mallard had one which was operated by a lever in the cockpit roof.

[Airspeed]

I guess it was also used as a tail hook when the beer ration had to be delivered to aircraft carriers?

[DaveB]

Smaller planes had them too, the Grumman Mallard had one which was operated by a lever in the cockpit roof.

Dove/Devon/Heron have them too although they're manual like the Vanguard/VC10
ATB
DaveB

[Molyned]

And the dear-old Twin Otter sports a 'pogo stick' as well on occasions.
Manually placed by the 2nd Officer on landing before the passengers all rush to the back to disembark.
Cheers
Dave M(oly)

[DaveB]

I guess they WOULD rush too.. to the loo no doubt
ATB
DaveB