[mech987987]

Even if two different aircraft have the same space constraints for the hook (which is a pretty big if), they have different mass and deceleration characteristics (i.e. minimum and maximum approach velocity) during landing- changing the force exerted on the hook. Designing a lighter hook for the lower loaded aircraft is VERY desirable for high tech fighter jets- every ounce saved is better range, better agility, etc.

As far as the little lip at the very tip of the hook- it looks to me like the initial design was trying to minimize any risk of digging into the flight deck and causing damage- this is just a guess though.

[cwillu]

“After the LSO finished what he had to say and left the ready room my B/N allowed that he might fly with me again. Me, I was still shaking inside.

The next morning I went up on the flight deck before flight ops started and walked to the aft edge of the deck. I was looking for something and found it.

About one foot from the end, there was a single, shiny, brand new, solitary hook imprint in the deck.”

https://thelexicans.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/one-foot/