TP-40 with tricycle landing gear ...

[Mark Allen M]

either that or training wheels. Interesting cockpit arrangement as well.

[Archer]

I guess someone got fed up with changing props and engines after every initial taxi session and created a taxiing-trainer.

[rcaf_100]

I would also have to guess a dedicated taxi-training aircraft, with the nose wheel there to prevent nosing over. The first photo looks like it's either on it's way up or down

The Navy did something similar to this SNJ.

Attachments

[bipe215]

According to Baugher, it’s an nonflying TP-40K, for teaching mechanics how to taxi

[Noha307]

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.

[phil65]

According to Baugher, it’s an nonflying TP-40K, for teaching mechanics how to taxi

I think you the mechanics are teaching the pilots how to taxi...

Phil