Végkampót

Végkampót is a Hungarian term that translates to "end hook" or "tail hook." It is most commonly associated with aviation, specifically in the context of aircraft carriers and naval aviation. In this military aviation application, a végkampót refers to the arrester hook, a retractable, extendable piece of equipment located at the rear of a carrier-based aircraft. Its primary function is to engage with one of the arresting wires stretched across the deck of an aircraft carrier. This engagement allows the aircraft to decelerate rapidly from a high landing speed to a complete stop within a very short distance, a crucial capability for safe operations on the confined space of a carrier.

The design of the végkampót is robust, engineered to withstand the significant forces involved in a carrier landing. It is typically lowered just before touchdown and retracts once the aircraft has safely come to a halt. Different aircraft types may have variations in the design and size of their végkampót to suit their specific weight and performance characteristics. The term itself, originating from Hungarian, highlights the function of the hook at the "end" of the aircraft, serving as the critical component for its "stop" or "capture." Beyond its direct translation, "végkampót" effectively encapsulates the vital role this mechanism plays in the complex and demanding environment of naval aviation operations.