IAC Fouga tails

[Fouga23]

Just noticed something on this image:
http://www.irishairpics.com/photo/1005344/L/Fouga-CM170-Super-Magister/220/Irish-Air-Corps/?&sid=&sp=
What are the 2 small extensions at the tip of the tails? Never seen those before.

[Claudel Hopson]

They are mass balances. They are fixed weights which help the pilot to move the control surfaces. Other aircraft of the era also have them, normally shaped like a tear drop and underneath the control surface, or on more modern aircraft like a small extension beyond the control surface leading edge

Or are you talking about the two static dischargers on the trailing edges?

[Fouga23]

The static dischargers. When were the IAC Fouga's modified  with that? Do they all have them? Anyone with a closeup picture?

[Machlooper]

If it's the bits on the trailing edges you mean then yes, they are static dischargers. They are braided pieces  of wire frayed at the end which where simply screwed(or riveted, cant remember?) on via a solid bracket attached to the braid.

[Fouga23]

So when did the IAC modify their Fouga's with this? And what was the reason?

[Tony Kearns]

Hi Tim,
I am attaching a pic taken in the 1980's of the Swallows, I cannot make out anything on 220 at that time, there is somethimng on the port rudder of 217 though. Will have to check further.
Tony K

[Machlooper]

Tony, if you look at the right(left as you look at it)  elevator/rudder of 220 you will see the two dischargers behind the counter balance!

[Fouga23]

Interesting picture, thanks! There indeed seems to be one on 220's tail. I really hope to find a good picture of them. This is one weird mod for a Fouga!

[Machlooper]

Fouga23 your wish is my command,

Yes, they are on both sides!


L/H side:






R/H side:


CLose up top(L/H side inboard):


Close up bottom (L/H side outboard):


 

[Claudel Hopson]

Hi Lads. Machlooper we must have passed each other outside the hangar after taking the pictures. I wont put up my ruddervator pics but the static dischargers are also on each aileron, pics of which are below, port and starboard respectively

[Machlooper]

I had to use the secret entrance  

[Fouga]

Hi Tim,
I am attaching a pic taken in the 1980's of the Swallows, I cannot make out anything on 220 at that time, there is somethimng on the port rudder of 217 though. Will have to check further.
Tony K

That is a brilliant shot. Can I re-post it over on Boards.ie? Memories.. :-(

[Tony Kearns]

Fouga, It is an Air Corps picture and is copyright, OK?
Tony K

[Machlooper]

Fouga, It is an Air Corps picture and is copyright, OK?

And I'll rat on ye to the lad who took it!! 

[Fouga23]

Wow! Thanks guys! Superb pictures! Don't suppose anyone knows why the IAC modified their Fouga's with these? Did they have problems with static electricity?