New RV-7A nose gear

mick · #1 11-13-2010, 05:47 AM

I final fitted my new nose gear to my 7A. I had it Custom made and needed no modification to the motor mount. Hope to finish the steering linkages this week and begin taxi tests. The weight is only 4-5 Lbs more than the original gear.
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Mick Haynes
Australia

islandmonkey · #2 11-13-2010, 06:10 AM

That looks great Mick. Is it free castoring or do you have it connected to provide steering?

Just reread the post so no need to answer the above question.

Having flown a few types with free castoring nose wheels, my personal preference is to have the leg connected to be able to provide steering. Although, the turning circle with free castoring wheels can be a lot tighter. Once in quite strong wind conditions, I could not get the the PZL Koliber I was taxiing pointed in the direction I wanted to go. Fortuneately I had enough room to turn full circle in the other direction.

mick · #3 11-13-2010, 06:30 AM

HI Anthony

The steering will be connected to the rudder peddles. I have fitted a steering dampener to smooth out any shimmy also. Suspension travel is about 4" and will prevent any prop strikes. Only early stages of development and may need to fine tune spring rates to suit the weight of the plane.

Mick

Sheldon · #4 11-13-2010, 06:41 AM

Would like to see picture of how you attached it to the mount...

tonyjohnson · #5 11-13-2010, 08:27 AM

Mick,

Thanks for showing us your nose gear. I would love to know more about it and I suspect lots of other A type builders will also be very interested.

Do you have plans or drawings? What did it cost? Can any machine shop fabricate it?

I look forward to following your progress and wish you well in addressing this important issue.

gasman · #6 11-13-2010, 10:39 AM

Mick, This looks great. Zooming in on the nose fork, I would like to see a stronger fork with more clearance to tire crown. I would like to see how you got the stiffness needed with only one attachment location.

Please keep us all up to date on this............. Many will be ready with check book.

Vlad · #7 11-13-2010, 11:07 AM

Interesting Mick very interesting. Please keep us updated.

frankh · #8 11-13-2010, 12:27 PM

Can't wait to see how well it works when flying.

Please give us more details on where the leg came from etc. You may be making a few of those for other builders..

Frank

Jamie Aust · #9 11-13-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasman

I would like to see a stronger fork with more clearance to tire crown.
Please keep us all up to date on this............. Many will be ready with check book.

Maybe its just the way the photo was taken, but I would also like to see the above quote.

I do hope it all works out well. You may be asked to make a lot of them soon !

rv9av8tr · #10 11-13-2010, 03:16 PM

Wow, I think that's a great start! But dang... I have to agree.... all the energy is transferred through that fork and it looks pretty thin for the kind of beating it's subject to. It should have at least the same caliber material as the fork on a C-152. Top tire clearance should be enough to compensate for low tire pressure and the tire becoming oblong. Something to think about.