I visited the landing gear at Bear Swamp Hill early Sunday morning but did not stay long because Jessica wasn't feeling well. I did get another photo to compare to the one I took back around 1975 or so.
Landing Gear
- Thread starter Teegate
- Start date
A group outing 10-19-2002
A nearby piece 12-22-2005
A nearby piece 12-22-2005
Not sure if this is the same part as above. these pics are from 2020. I recently visited again and could not find them . cant believe someone would take a big part like this 
Yes, your photos show the speed brake.
The speed brake is the very back of the engine where the flame comes out. Basically, they open them to slow and close them to make the exhaust hole smaller to get more thrust. Just like an air hose or garden hose. At least that is what I have been told. You would think it would melt.
That doesn't sound right to me. I think it is basically a sort of "flap" on the wings or possibly tail, which is what the photos by @trop81 and @ecampbell look like.
Air brake (aeronautics) - Wikipedia
There's also something called a "thrust reverser" that might be more like what you describe, you can hear it when they cut in immediately after the plane lands.
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Is the Speed Brake gone? I picked it up once,not heavy at all.Anyone could walk off with it.Now the Landing gear is another matter.Someone long ago cut a pice of the tire out of that,Never understood that mentality.
When I first learned of the "speed brake" I asked around online to groups who should know and they told me by looking at it that it was the speed brake. Looking now online I see that a speed brake is a fuselage mounted panel that when selected by the pilot lowers to produce drag.
That is interesting. I think the plane was an F-105, wasn't it? Here's a photo of the speed brakes on that plane. I can see how somebody might have the impression that its purpose was to constrict the exhaust. But, as you say, the real purpose is to create drag when it is opened.
By the way... flashing back to 2001... nice article about the crash Guy! Somehow I missed that but just found it when doing a google search!
www.njpinebarrens.com
The Bear Swamp Hill Airplane Crash – NJPineBarrens.com
www.njpinebarrens.com
It still is at the exhaust and you would figure an aluminum piece like that would melt.
If anyone is interested in checking out the landing gear now is a good time. The recent burn cleared all the brush from the top of the hill to the very edge of the swamp. It is easy walking with no underbrush or briars to tear you apart. I am not sure exactly when they burned it, but there were logs that were still smoderling with visable smoke. I checked out the area and found a few old deer stands and some Shlitz beer cans here and there.