Tailhook

A tailhook, in the context of naval aviation, refers specifically to a strong metal hook, on the underside of a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) carrier-capable aircraft, which catches an arresting wire in the landing system of an aircraft carrier. Land-based CTOL may have a tailhook to assist in a high-speed landing, but the type used ashore does not attempt to bring the aircraft to a near-instantaneous stop.

It is also an icon of U.S. naval aviation, whose professional society is the Tailhook Association. In 1991, the annual Tailhook convention had some incidents of sexual behavior considered inappropriate, and, in some cases, ended the careers of a number of aviators and Naval officials.