WorldAirPics.com Forum
Irish Related Topics => Irish Air Corps => Topic started by: Fouga23 on January 15, 2011, 05:58:56 pm
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Just noticed something on this image:
http://www.irishairpics.com/photo/1005344/L/Fouga-CM170-Super-Magister/220/Irish-Air-Corps/?&sid=&sp=
What are the 2 small extensions at the tip of the tails? Never seen those before.
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They are mass balances. They are fixed weights which help the pilot to move the control surfaces. Other aircraft of the era also have them, normally shaped like a tear drop and underneath the control surface, or on more modern aircraft like a small extension beyond the control surface leading edge
Or are you talking about the two static dischargers on the trailing edges?
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The static dischargers. When were the IAC Fouga's modified with that? Do they all have them? Anyone with a closeup picture?
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If it's the bits on the trailing edges you mean then yes, they are static dischargers. They are braided pieces of wire frayed at the end which where simply screwed(or riveted, cant remember?) on via a solid bracket attached to the braid.
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So when did the IAC modify their Fouga's with this? And what was the reason?
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Hi Tim,
I am attaching a pic taken in the 1980's of the Swallows, I cannot make out anything on 220 at that time, there is somethimng on the port rudder of 217 though. Will have to check further.
Tony K
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Tony, if you look at the right(left as you look at it) elevator/rudder of 220 you will see the two dischargers behind the counter balance!
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Interesting picture, thanks! There indeed seems to be one on 220's tail. I really hope to find a good picture of them. This is one weird mod for a Fouga!
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Fouga23 your wish is my command,
Yes, they are on both sides!
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-05txwebt.jpg)
L/H side:
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-01web.jpg)
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-03web.jpg)
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-04web.jpg)
R/H side:
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-06tweb.jpg)
CLose up top(L/H side inboard):
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-02web.jpg)
Close up bottom (L/H side outboard):
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/machlooper/static-07web.jpg)
:airforce_grin:
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Hi Lads. Machlooper we must have passed each other outside the hangar after taking the pictures. I wont put up my ruddervator pics but the static dischargers are also on each aileron, pics of which are below, port and starboard respectively
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I had to use the secret entrance :airforce_wink:
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Hi Tim,
I am attaching a pic taken in the 1980's of the Swallows, I cannot make out anything on 220 at that time, there is somethimng on the port rudder of 217 though. Will have to check further.
Tony K
That is a brilliant shot. Can I re-post it over on Boards.ie? Memories.. :-(
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Fouga, It is an Air Corps picture and is copyright, OK?
Tony K
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Fouga, It is an Air Corps picture and is copyright, OK?
And I'll rat on ye to the lad who took it!! :airforce_laugh:
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Wow! Thanks guys! Superb pictures! Don't suppose anyone knows why the IAC modified their Fouga's with these? Did they have problems with static electricity?
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Fouga, It is an Air Corps picture and is copyright, OK?
Tony K
Damnit!! Excellent picture to whoever took it, absolutely brilliant.
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Most aircraft are fitted with static dischargers of some type to discharge static electricity built up during flight by an airframe. Saves someone getting a nasty shock after landing and also helps greatly reduce the risk of a spark when the aircraft is being re-fuelled. Here are the three types fitted to a PC9 for example. I havent included the different types of bonding straps used around the aircraft (too many!)
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Damnit!! Excellent picture to whoever took it, absolutely brilliant.
I believe it was Cpl Deco Parke (Photo Section, now 105 Sqn) who shot that fantastic image! :applause:
Himself and John Daly shot a lot of Fouga air to air back then.
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Yep Deco below and John above, ie Deco photographing John photographing Deco :applause:
Great pic.
Tony K
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Most aircraft are fitted with static dischargers of some type to discharge static electricity built up during flight by an airframe. Saves someone getting a nasty shock after landing and also helps greatly reduce the risk of a spark when the aircraft is being re-fuelled. Here are the three types fitted to a PC9 for example. I havent included the different types of bonding straps used around the aircraft (too many!)
Thanks for the PC-9 pictures. I know about dischargers, but normally the Fouga doesn't have them. The Irish ones are the only one I have ever seen to be modified with them. Makes me wonder if the IAC had trouble with static electricity?
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The Irish Fougas had a considerable avionic upgrade after delivery to the Air Corps. This upgrade was carried out by Aer Lingus at Dublin airport. I spent some weeks there 'observing' the upgrade being carried out. While I can't really remember for certain it's possible the static dischargers were fitted during this upgrade. ???
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Just spoke to a couple of the lads who were in Fighter Squadron when the Fouga's were delivered and worked on them till they were retired, and they said that they were delivered with the static dischargers fitted.