BAK-14Retractable Hook-Cable Support System Cold-Weather Tests at Galena,Alaska.

摘要

The BAK-14retractable hook-cable support system was designed for use with aircraft arresting systems on Air Force/Civil joint-use airfields. In the raised position,the BAK-14supports the aircraft arresting-hook cable above the runway surface for engagement of arresting-hook-equipped aircraft;in the lowered position,the runway surface is clear and the BAK-14offers no interference to the operation of lightweight civil aircraft. These tests were conducted to determine the effects of natural low-temperature conditions on the functional and dynamic operation of the BAK-14. The areas of special interest were the ability of the support block to withstand aircraft main-gear trample and arresting-hook impact,and the ability of the system to cycle 100times. The system sustained negligible damage from F-4E aircraft tramples,but was inoperable as a result of the cumulative damage caused by six arrestments. Under low ambient temperatures (-15 F to -24 F),the supports were not pliable. All 14blocks of the system were partially to fully separated from their bases. Support-block latch mechanisms were damaged. During the 100-cycle test,completed under -33 F to -36 F ambient temperatures,several support latch mechanisms malfunctioned and required adjustment. Test results indicated that the BAK-14is not suitable for operation at low ambient temperatures.