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Composite flat tailspring

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 4:05 pm
by Richard Mole
I saw that the Minimax in the LAA tent at AeroExpo had a composite spring with a rectangular cross-section.

Does anyone know where I could source one, either for a Minimax or similar very light single place?

Re: Composite flat tailspring

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:27 pm
by Ian Law
I used a GRP tailspring on my Taylor Mono, using the Pazmany book as a source of guidance.

Used layers of MDF to make a mold and Roger Target laminated the spring for me. It was much lighter than the old steel cart spring, but was very "bouncy" when taxiing. At the same time, I made a locking tailwheel, which greatly improved runway landing behaviour.

Ian

Re: Composite flat tailspring

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:55 pm
by Richard Mole
Thanks for the reply. I'll check what Pazmany has to say.

Re: Composite flat tailspring

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:04 pm
by TRAZZELL
I wonder whether laminating a viscoelastic material such as a soft rubber could dampen out bounces?
Tony Razzell