Dan 57
Well Known Member
Aim of these modifications were weight loss, practicability, looks and aerodynamics…
Weight: total weight change - 334g. Ain’t a lot, but could play favorably for the CG of some -4s.
Practicability: the original Van’s fork with its almost 90° angle to forward travel is an invitation to get stuck against any kind of curb with possible dire consequences. Rejected was the nice but massive Doug Bell product on the grounds of its weight, being too wide and requiring the use of countless washers, and elevating the tail of the aircraft. Keeping the tail low was a requirement for performance reason (use of very short grass runways) and looks. Welding a triangular section in front of the fork will hopefully prevent or alleviate having the tail stuck on some obstacle, weight increase 62g.
Looks: the lightweight tailwheel from flyboyaccessories https://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Lightweight-Tailwheel-Tire-p/1002.htm and the Lynx spring/link system https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?ident=1407916332-134-51&browse=misc&product=tail-lynx are of the highest quality and really shine.
Aerodynamics: picked up a good 22Kts on the top speed. Sitting on the ground that is. The smaller frontal surface of the Lynx springs is hopefully offsetting the added drag of the new tailwheel.
Weight: total weight change - 334g. Ain’t a lot, but could play favorably for the CG of some -4s.
Practicability: the original Van’s fork with its almost 90° angle to forward travel is an invitation to get stuck against any kind of curb with possible dire consequences. Rejected was the nice but massive Doug Bell product on the grounds of its weight, being too wide and requiring the use of countless washers, and elevating the tail of the aircraft. Keeping the tail low was a requirement for performance reason (use of very short grass runways) and looks. Welding a triangular section in front of the fork will hopefully prevent or alleviate having the tail stuck on some obstacle, weight increase 62g.
Looks: the lightweight tailwheel from flyboyaccessories https://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Lightweight-Tailwheel-Tire-p/1002.htm and the Lynx spring/link system https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?ident=1407916332-134-51&browse=misc&product=tail-lynx are of the highest quality and really shine.
Aerodynamics: picked up a good 22Kts on the top speed. Sitting on the ground that is. The smaller frontal surface of the Lynx springs is hopefully offsetting the added drag of the new tailwheel.