How does the "tail bumper" works?

Question

Is it just to offer protection in case of a tail strike? I imagine it has sensors to warn the pilots should a tail strike occur.
http://myaviation.net/search/photo_search.php?id=00982119&size=large

Answer 1

The ram that deploys it, absorbs the energy of excessive rotation, on takeoff, but a hard landing impact( too much flare ) will likely damage the aircraft tail or airframe. You'll know if your tail hits the ground. There are flight data sensors which will monitor and report performance parameter violations to the flight crew, but they will feel it, and know it by excessive rotation angle. Flight data recorders store these crew errors for later embarrassment.

Answer 2

Not sure if it has a sensor but yes its main function is to protect the tail, i dont fly 767s but the diamond star I fly has a tail skid which is an expendable piece of plastic with a metal bar on it below the tail section to save the very expensive carbon fiber/composite from damage. If it breaks it can be very easily and much more affordably replaced.

Answer 3

no sensors, it's just a bumber that hits the ground before the exspensive stuff does. Any pilot worth his salt knows when he has scraped the tail.