Arresting wire – Definition & Meaning

An arresting wire is a device used to stop aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier. It is a vital safety feature that prevents aircraft from overshooting the deck and falling into the sea.

Definitions

An arresting wire is a cable that is stretched across the deck of an aircraft carrier. It is designed to catch the tailhook of an aircraft as it lands on the carrier and bring it to a stop. The cable is made of high-strength steel and is designed to withstand the force of a landing aircraft.

Origin

The use of arresting wires on aircraft carriers dates back to the early days of naval aviation. The first successful landing on an aircraft carrier was made in 1911 by Eugene Ely, who landed his Curtiss biplane on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania using a temporary wire barrier. The first permanent arresting gear was installed on the USS Langley in 1922.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The term arresting wire is defined in various dictionaries as a cable or wire used to stop an aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a cable or wire stretched across the deck of an aircraft carrier to bring an aircraft to a stop on landing.”

Associations

The term arresting wire is associated with aircraft carriers and naval aviation. It is a critical safety feature that allows aircraft to land safely on the carrier’s deck.

Synonyms

Synonyms for arresting wire include barrier cable, deck cable, and tailhook cable.

Antonyms

Antonyms for arresting wire include runaway aircraft, uncontrolled landing, and aircraft crash.

The same root words

The term arresting wire does not have any root words.

Example Sentences

1. The pilot caught the arresting wire with his tailhook and was brought to a stop.
2. The aircraft carrier’s arresting wire system was tested and found to be in good working order.
3. The use of an arresting wire is a critical safety feature for aircraft carrier operations.
4. The crew of the aircraft carrier worked quickly to repair the damaged arresting wire after a landing mishap.
5. The pilot was trained to aim for the center of the arresting wire to ensure a safe landing.