OT: Amazing crosswind landing tests

[Wes F]

Some amazing crosswind landing tests from Boeing, apparently they're testing landing gear that can rotate and orient itself with the runway (to a degree). This is actually not new technology, 'cause it's been on the B-52 military bomber for decades now, but pretty damn cool to see it on modern airliners like the 747 and 777.

This should make it a bit easier to land in harsh crosswind conditions. Vegas I know is one place that can be a bitch, at times I've had full rudder deflection and just barely keeping her aligned.

Pretty badass flyin' here

[brosher]

Wow those last two were wild.

[genphreak]

Wow those last two were wild.

I hear the Airbus can land backwards now they are making it in Ireland... (joking) Awesome vids...

Would have run for it if I was those camera guys on the edge in the second last one!

I always liked it when the wind was going one way then the other myself, its better than a carefully planned, strategically placed, woopee cushion for fun in the cabin.

Will the undercarriage auto-track the wind to cover last moment gusts... I'd hate to see it land with the wheels pointed the wrong way! Nick

[632 Regal]

the last one was almost sideways, incredible video

[mattyb]

brilliant. Thanks wes

[Wes F]

This could've helped all those dudes having to land at the infamous Hong Kong Kai Tak airport. In high crosswinds, without that rotating gear, you gotta kick the rudder at the last second to straighten your self out, like here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pIVjKoUewc

Bet that scared the crap outta some of those passengers

That Kai Tak airport was closed in '98, just couldn't handle the amount of traffic coming in and out, among other things.

The cool thing about it though was its famous Runway 13 approach, nicknamed the "checkerboard" approach. What made it so challenging (as well as spectacular to watch) was due to the geography of the surrounding area. Having mountains and densely populated areas at both ends, pilots would have to first approach NE, being guided down by an instrument guiding system. Then upon reaching a hill marked by a red and white checkerboard, being only 2 miles from the runway at less than 1000 feet, they'd have to make a 47 degree visual right turn to line up with the runway. Typically, the turn would start at 650 ft and roll out at only 140 ft. What made things worse were crosswinds that would often rip through due to neighboring typhoons and whatnot. Pretty cool to see a big ass 747 banking at very low altitudes, rolling out just above the runway and topping it off with a big crab to stay centerlined. More here:

Another cool landing

Wikipedia article

[Macv]

Wow, I always wondered how they landed in that.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

This should make it a bit easier to land in harsh crosswind conditions. Vegas I know is one place that can be a bitch, at times I've had full rudder deflection and just barely keeping her aligned.

on a windy day was a fun one too. especially the old short approach in the 80's.

[Wes F]

Wailuku? There is(or was) an airfield over there?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

wrong place, Wailuku had the radio stuff