F-16 Pitot Tube

[Gary Cain]

These don't come around very often so when I had the chance to grab it I did!

[Gary Cain]

It's not showing up well but the first three inches or so are discolored from the high heat of supersonic flight.

these don't come around very often so when i had the chance to grab it i did!

[Svt40]

and to think of how many pitot tubes we tossed overboard from our SH60B.

[Gary Cain]

Yeah, but that's what makes these so desirable now!

and to think of how many pitot tubes we tossed overboard from our SH60B.

[Svt40]

Yea when I was in the Navy I never really thought about the stuff we had as being collectible.

On one cruise we probably tossed overboard over 200 schrader valves among other spares taking up valuable space. That summer the ex wife and I visited my relatives and my uncle was looking for schrader valves to retrofit onto the landing gear of an old MIG-21 he bought.

[hs132]

Hi Gary, a most desirable piece. These are so collectable and under appreciated. Here's my set of Mig17 pitot tubes. A F14 Tomcat pitot would be the most desirable. Best, Bill Bourque

[Steve B.]

Gary-

The heat of supersonic flight may well have contributed to the discoloration of the pitot tube, but as an airframe & powerplant mechanic & avionics tech I can say that plenty of subsonic aircraft (Lear, Gulfstream, Hawker, Falcon, etc.) have discolored pitot tubes also.

It is caused by the electric heat to used prevent icing.

When turned on while on the ground, heated pitot tubes will give you a second degree burn in a fraction of a second. I know from unfortunate personal experience!

[Scott C.]

Steve is correct. The pitot tubes on my trusty C-130 were just as discolored from the heating elements, and Hercs could barely get out of their own way.

[Gary Cain]

Good to know! And thanks for the technical expertise!

Gary-

The heat of supersonic flight may well have contributed to the discoloration of the pitot tube, but as an airframe & powerplant mechanic & avionics tech I can say that plenty of subsonic aircraft (Lear, Gulfstream, Hawker, Falcon, etc.) have discolored pitot tubes also.

It is caused by the electric heat to used prevent icing.

When turned on while on the ground, heated pitot tubes will give you a second degree burn in a fraction of a second. I know from unfortunate personal experience!