Extremely Rare - Navy A6 Intruder/ EA-6B Prowler Jet Tailhook

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Extremely Rare - Navy A6 Intruder/ EA-6B Prowler Jet Tailhook:
$24500.00

Extremely Rare - Navy A6 Intruder/ EA-6B Prowler Jet Tailhook.

Own an authentic piece of Naval Aviation history. This tailhook was used on an operational tactical jet to make an arrested landing or catch "the wire" to land on an aircraft carrier.

How do I know these things? It was a part of the jet that I flew and I used these tailhooks during my career as a Naval Aviator. This particular tailhook was in service on EA-6B Prowler BUNO (aircraft serial number) 159983 and was removed in May of 2012. Official maintenance removal documentation is included with the tailhook.

I have included photos of aircraft 159983--look at the base of the vertical stabilizer on tail and you will see the BUNO "159983" painted on the aircraft. Unless the aircraft is performing an arrested landing, the tailhook is generally recessed under the fuselage, so it's fairly hard to see from a level angle. You can see it better in the photo that was taken while the jet is in flight. Please note that the last two photos are not of 159983, but other aircraft showing the tailhook while preparing to land.

This tailhook was Navy maintenance part number "620136" and was manufactured by Capy Machine Shop in Melville, New York. The national item identification number (NIIN) is "1710-01-138-8596".

The A6 Intruder and the EA-6B Prowler have both been retired from service for several years, so they are not producing this tailhook anymore. Most tailhooks were either destroyed or cut into pieces for smaller memorabilia in shadow boxes. I don't know of any other complete tailhooks like this out there, except for those attached to aircraft in museums. Technically, Navy supply regulations require the complete destruction of these tailhooks upon retirement. I was fortunate to get this tailhook.

In great condition, no alterations (paint, patching etc). Has normal wear from use in arrested landings, but who would want an unused one anyway? Length is 35in, made of solid steel, and weighs about 50lbs.

Thank you for looking!