UNIVERSAL MAINTENANCE FREE TAIL-WHEEL

[Blackhawk]

For any of you tail-wheel pilots here I welcome some feedback on my Universal Maintenance Free Tail-wheel.

 

 

Specifications are:

 

CNC machined 6061-T6 billet Torsion block and axle with polyurethane compression bars

 

CNC machined 6061-T6 billet wheel cheek plates

 

316 stainless steel mounting shaft

 

2 x sealed 316 stainless steel case bearings with ceramic balls for pivot in torsion block

 

All bolts are 316 stainless steel

 

6" x 1-1/4" pneumatic wheel with 2 x sealed 316 stainless steel bearings and black alloy rim

 

Total weight as shown in photo is 1.68kg

 

Graeme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[geoffreywh]

pretty swish, are those the bell crank holes I see?....does it break free and castor?

 

 

[Blackhawk]

Hi Geoff,

 

It could be used as a castering tailwheel if that is what people want, but there is no breakfree; because of the design, there would be no reason for it.

 

 

[Blackhawk]

There are 4 holes to attach the control arm to.

[Soleair]

Looks very well engineered.

 

Dare I ask how much it costs, inc shipping?

 

 

[Kyle Communications]

Nice machining...is it done locally?

 

 

[aro]

Why is there no need for the break free?

 

I am having trouble visualizing how it attaches to the aircraft. Is the torsion block an alternative to the tailwheel spring?

 

 

[Yenn]

In my opinion break free is a requirement if at all possible. There can be very high side loads on the structure if the wheel cannot break free. It was enough on my Corby to break the structure holding the tail wheel spring.

 

 

[cooperplace]

jabirus come with a universally maintenance-free tailwheel.

 

 

[Downunder]

Are ceramic balls going to be ok with shock/inpact loading?

 

Are they standard ball races. You can get the ones designed for side/axial loading.

 

Angular contact ball bearing.

 

May be some figures on flex with weight loading. Are the designed for GA or Rec?

 

They look a bit heavy duty for Rec but I'm not a tailwheel pilot.( maybe the pics make it look bigger than it is)

 

C/S bolts into threadded holes would give it a cleaner, smooth look....

 

Wouldn't have the nylok then, but that's what loctite is for...

 

 

[Blackhawk]

Why is there no need for the break free?I am having trouble visualizing how it attaches to the aircraft. Is the torsion block an alternative to the tailwheel spring?

This tailwheel is designed for Recreational aircraft only

 

Mounting plate/block is drilled and bolted to match existing tail spring holes

 

Torsion block replaces the need for a tail spring, chains and tension springs