Definition

Noun: A device, specifically a hook, on an aircraft that engages with an arresting cable on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. This engagement creates resistance to rapidly decelerate and stop the aircraft during landing.

Usage

The term is used exclusively in the context of naval aviation to describe the critical landing gear component on carrier-based aircraft. * The pilot lowered the arrester hook in preparation for the carrier landing. * A damaged arrester hook can make a carrier landing extremely hazardous. * The aircraft's arrester hook successfully caught the third cable on the deck.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: The system involving the hook is part of the Aircraft Recovery Equipment (ARE). Discussions may involve terms like "hook point," "engagement," and "tension."
• Procedural Context: The action is described as "catching a wire" or "making an arrested landing."
  • The F/A-18 made a perfect arrested landing, its hook catching the 2-wire.

Variants and Related Words

• Tailhook (n): A common synonym, especially in U.S. naval aviation, referring to the hook's location at the aircraft's tail.
• Arresting gear (n): The broader system on the carrier deck, consisting of the cables and machinery that the hook engages with.
• Arrested landing (n): The act of landing using this system.

Synonyms

• Tailhook
• Arresting hook

Related Phrases

• To catch the wire: The moment the arrester hook successfully engages the arresting cable.
  • The pilot was relieved to catch the wire on the first attempt.
• A bolter: A failed landing attempt where the aircraft's arrester hook misses all arresting cables, requiring the pilot to apply full throttle and take off again immediately.
  • A strong crosswind caused the aircraft to become a bolter.

Noun

1. a restraint that slows airplanes as they land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier