Author Topic: Tail Wheel Assembly (Read 4737 times)

PropMan · « **on:** December 20, 2014, 06:56:37 AM »

Has anyone weighed their tail wheel assembly?
I'm curious of total weight of spring and castor with wheel.
Trying to come up with the lightest possible, and any help is appreciated.

Murray Randall · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2014, 05:51:35 PM »

This tail wheel assy weighs a bit shy of 1.5 lb. It steers but does not swivel. The wheel itself is 4" nylon. Nylon has no friction on pavement, grass only!

PropMan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2014, 08:55:56 PM »

Thanks Murray,
That's an interestin set up

Bob S. · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2014, 09:07:21 PM »

Hope the travel on that isn't so far as to pop the rear spar tube of your vertical stab out at the top of it's travel!!!!

Murray Randall · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2014, 05:50:21 AM »

Seems to work OK. First I tried to make a carbon fiber leaf spring but the very expensive carbon fiber I bought was no where near the strength of the material used by the aircraft and auto industry that I designed it around. Failed my proof load test. But coil spring assy using True Value off the shelf springs is cheap and light. I tried to use urethane springs rather than the steel but my tail post wouldn't accommodate the available urethane springs. Speaking of urethane springs, here's a old pic of my main gear urethane spring assy. Note, I have slotted both parts so I can remove or install a different number of springs without grinding out a weld, just drill another hole to change the spring length dimension.

Bugsmasher · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2014, 08:11:08 AM »

Hello Frank....here is my tailwheel assembly. I made the spring from 32mm x 6 mm 6AL-4v titanium. Bend is a 6 inch radius and the swivel foot and legs machined from T-6. I made an oilite bushing for the bolt to pivot in. Wheel is machined from T-6 with urethane outer. I wanted something light and from a proven design...so I kind of copied one that was popular and scaled it for my needs....it weighs 1.85 lds as pictured less chains. As long as I don't make a habit out of tail first 3 point landings I think it will live a long time. I did make a spare spring. I purchased the titanium from and e-bay vendor I have bought from before and is trustworthy. I made everything except the wheel....cheaper to buy them.