Mark Allen M wrote:
either that or training wheels. Interesting cockpit arrangement as well.
Look at the dents in that leading edge. A tricycle gear might prevent trainees from nosing over, but it certainly won't stop them from running into things!
I assume that this is pretty much the same idea as those nose skids that they use to have around World War I:
(Source:
Their Flying Machines)
(Source:
1000aircraftphotos.com)
I had forgotten that some actually had wheels too:
(Source:
Wikipedia)
I guess it was more of an issue back in the day when unpaved runways being more common meant a higher chance of a bump nosing you over.
_________________
Tri-State Warbird Museum Collections Manager & Museum Attendant
Warbird Philosophy Webmaster