A few questions Regarding the T-45 Goshawk

[SkyStrike 15]

Dear all, i have a few questions about the nose landing gear bay doors of the T-45 Goshawk :

 

In this link http://img.fyjs.cn/Mon_1003/27_5215_f74395ecb2aa7a2.jpg the T-45's in the foreground have a different type of main gear door bay where as the one on its final approach in the background has a different type... Are there two types of nose unit landing gear bay door patterns for different variants of the T-45? Please could you clarify this? thanks.

[Vampyre 24]

Doors are the same for them all. The larger forward doors are opened on the two jets on deck, most likely for ground maintenance and servicing.

[SkyStrike 15]

Hi Vampyre,

 

Thanks for your reply.... So you're saying that the larger forward doors open only prior to the nose gear being lowered or raised and then close shut as soon as the wheels are raised / lowered. Nevertheless these doors can be opened for maintenance/servicing by the ground crew. Did i understand you correctly?

Edited December 16, 2011 by Tomcat_ace

[B52STRATO 215]

As he's with the "Remove Before Flight" safeties, these doors might be a simple inspection hatches. Normally the main differences are an overall strengthening of the cell, the addition of the catapult launch bar on the nose wheel, the tailhook and spoilers on the sides of the unit.

[Vampyre 24]

Hi Vampyre,

 

Thanks for your reply.... So you're saying that the larger forward doors open only prior to the nose gear being lowered or raised and then close shut as soon as the wheels are raised / lowered. Nevertheless these doors can be opened for maintenance/servicing by the ground crew. Did i understand you correctly?

 

Yes you have it correct. From what I understand having the forward main landing gear doors open in flight creates aerodynamic problems.