Have you ever noticed the short extensions protruding from the rear belly of an airplane’s fuselage? Known as a tailskid, they play an important role in protecting airplanes from damage.
Airplanes have strict pitch limits. Pilots raise the nose during takeoff to achieve lift, and they raise the nose during landing to ensure the landing gear wheels touch down smoothly. Over-rotation, however, can result in structural damage in the form of a tail strike. Tailskids protect airplanes from damage such as this.
#1) Designed to Touch the Ground First
Tailskids are designed to touch the ground first. Over-rotation involves the nose of an airplane rising too steeply. During takeoffs and landings, it can cause the tail to strike the ground. Tailskids act as a buffer. Rather than the tail, the tailskid will strike the ground first so that the aircraft body remains unscathed.
#2) Sacrificial
Unlike most aircraft parts, tailskids are sacrificial. They aren’t reusable. Instead, tailskids sacrifice themselves by absorbing the force of impact during instances of over-rotation. When a tailskid comes into contact with the ground, it may become crushed or even break off completely. Used tailskids such as this are typically discarded and replaced for safety purposes.
#3) Fixed vs Retractable
Some tailskids are fixed, whereas others are retractable. They are both designed to protect airplanes from tail strike-related damage, and they are both located in the same general area (beneath the rear end of the fuselage). The difference between fixed and retractable tailskids is that the former is always extended, while the latter is not.
#4) Not All Airplanes Have Them
You won’t find tailskids on all airplanes. They are commonly found on airplanes with long fuselages. Airplanes with short fuselages are less likely to experience tail strikes during landings and takeoffs. Tailskids are also commonly found on wide-body jets and cargo airliners. Their long fuselages and unique geometry make them susceptible to tail strikes.
#5) Made of Heavy-Duty Materials
Because they are designed to absorb impact, tailskids require a durable construction. Some of them are made of steel. Other tailskids are made of titanium or reinforced composites. Heavy-duty materials such as these can withstand extreme mechanical stress, making them ideal for use in tailskids.
In Conclusion
Tailskids highlight how even the smallest components can have an outsized impact on aircraft safety. They are simple in concept, yet highly effective in practice. By taking the hit instead of the fuselage, tailskids help prevent costly damage and keep airplanes running smoothly.
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