tailhook

A device attached to the empennage of some military fixed-wing aircraft, used to achieve rapid deceleration during landings by catching the arresting gear of a runway or aircraft carrier.

Noun

  1. A device attached to the empennage of some military fixed-wing aircraft, used to achieve rapid deceleration during landings by catching the arresting gear of a runway or aircraft carrier.

Origin

From tail + hook.

Forms

tailhooks

Wikipedia

tailhook