What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

HR II landing gear

grover

Well Known Member
any input/guidance on affixing gear to engine mount, & wheel attach bit to gear legs? alignment suggestions?
 
Rocket gear leg installation and alignment

HR2 gear typically bolts to the EM similarly to the RV-4. I don't know the bolt size required.

The F1 Rocket upper gear legs are completely different and align into a tapered socket. The F1 upper connection is NOT through bolted.

The axle end is a through bolt connection. I recall it being a 5/16" bolt (AN5-XX)

We recommend alignment be done with flying weight on the plane. We use 1600#. That usually means adding sandbags to get the plane to the right weight, filling the tanks, etc. as needed.

  • Tailwheel on the ground.
  • Main wheels on greased plates.
  • Wheel pants off.
  • Clamp a 6' straight edge to each brake disc and level it parallel to the floor. (angle aluminum or similar works well)
  • Drop a plump bob from the tip of the spinner
  • Snap a line (or use a string) from the tailwheel to the spinner plumb bob. (Ignore engine offset, for those who think that far ahead)
  • Take some measurements to how far out of alignment the angles are from the center line.
  • Set the axles to ZERO toe-in or out. Ignore the camber.
  • Adjust as needed.

********************

We make an F1 specific gear leg/axle socket clamp which makes this job safe and relatively easy. HR2 axles will require their own clamps, or it is possible to use a set screw(s) to position the axle socket. Be careful and don't make divots in the gear leg. YMMV!

********************
You didn't ask but drilling titanium is like drilling carbon steel. Do the following:

  • use new, high quality drill bits
  • do not let the bit spin and harden the titanium
  • slow turning speed
  • keep it cutting
  • plenty of pressure
  • lots of oil
  • drill undersize and step up to the final size incrementally.

Titanium is tough. If your bit starts spinning, and not cutting, switch to a new bit immediately! Make certain that the new bit starts cutting immediately, oil, slow speed, plenty of pressure.... so you don't ruin a gear leg or make the problem worse.

It's easier to do this on a drill press (or mill), but it CAN be done on the plane. Taking the legs off to use a drill press means supporting the plane. Plan carefully!
 
Last edited:
Back
Top