Do wing fold pins need to be removed to manually fold the wings?

The correct answer indicates that wing fold pins do not need to be removed to manually fold the wings of the Super Hornet. In the aircraft design, the wing fold mechanism has been engineered to allow for manual operation without the necessity for displacing these pins. The pins serve as part of the safety measures during normal operations, ensuring that when the wings are not intended to be folded, they remain secure.

The provision for manual wing folding without pin removal simplifies operations for the pilot and ground crew, making it more efficient and safer during flight operations. This design consideration reflects the emphasis on streamlining tasks while maintaining safety protocols. It allows the aircraft to be prepared for different mission profiles quickly, as the wings can be folded or unfolded rapidly without having to engage with the pins directly each time.

Understanding the functionality and purpose of the wing fold pins is crucial for effectively operating and maintaining the Super Hornet. Thus, grasping that these pins do not hinder the manual folding process highlights an important aspect of the aircraft's design and operational flexibility.