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The trapeze rotated to draw the aircraft inside the Macon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F9C-2_Sparrowhawk_fighter.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:
by tired_man 11y ago
The trapeze rotated to draw the aircraft inside the Macon.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F9C-2_Sparrowhawk_fighter.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F9C-2_Sparrowhawk_fighter...
See that C shaped bit on the left? As the arm is retracted, that C wold ride down to the fuselage to stabilize it as it rose up. Once the plane was inside, they'd close the hatches. Easey-peasey to climb out with a ladder hooked to the cockpit rim.
- scrumper 11y agoYeah I thought that C-shaped piece was something to do with it; it appeared to fit around the back end of the fuselage somehow. The plane is pointing up, I imagine it's still powered up to keep tension on that hook. Really something. Did not see that this retracted. Thanks!
- tired_man 11y agoYeah, that was something. The USAF tried a 2-3 similar schemes. Let me recommend the wiki for a starting point (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_aircraft https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_aircraft) for more cool stuff. You're in for a treat :-) I grew up on adventure pulp fiction and Saturday serials at the local theater. I love that sort of stuff!