Expert: Marc Eichler - 1/15/2007

Question
Some F-15s have arrestor hooks attached to them just like any naval aircraft. Does it mean that they could land on aircraft carriers as well? Will their landing gear be able to cope such controlled crashes on carrier decks?

Answer
While USAF fighters - the F-15 and the F-16 - are equipped with tailhooks, neither is designed for the stresses being on a carrier would put on the landing gear.  The reason they have tailhooks is in case of a problem that would cause a need for an other-then-normal landing.  USAF bases where these planes are stationed have arrester cables that can be stretched across the runway in case of a problem with the aircraft.