Quote:
Originally Posted by Troll
I thought those cars were just there to catch a wing.
They should've named it the Albatross.
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The earlier model U-2's had "pogo stick" wheels stuck under outboard the wings which fell off on take off. This was one of the weight saving items to gain more altitude. Those models used the Ranchero's and El Camino's to talk them down and then a couple of guys would jump out the back of the vehicle and keep the wings tips from tipping over as the plane came to a stop and while others would re-attach the pogos. The later model U-2's and TR-1's had outboard riggers built into the outer portion of the wing and a large fast truck type vehicle to catch the aircraft and carry the workers was not needed. That was when the Mustang's and Camaros started to be used.
The Air Force had another aircraft back in the 1940's thru the early 60's named the Albatross. Is was the Sa-16 and it was a seaplane used for air sea rescue.
