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The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning
http://thorp18.com/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8281
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Author:  Ryan Allen [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 7:18 am ]
Post subject:  The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

If the vertical fin/rudder are the limiting factor for aerobatics in the T-18, has anyone ever tried installing a larger vertical fin and rudder? I recall the Vans Aircraft RV-7's began using larger vertical fins than originally designed for better spin recovery (if I recall correctly).

Author:  jrevens [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

I think that the stabilator is a limiting factor - at least one of them Ryan. It’s a pretty tough airplane but I think that many of us have seen them abused from stupidity... wrinkled wing skins, etc. Very easy to exceed red line, and pull too many G’s. I haven’t personally heard of the rudder being a factor.

Author:  fytrplt [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

My experience is that the rudder is a bit undersized for slow maneuvers such as the hammerhead turn. That said, at cruise it's just right. Now to reopen an old can of worms. My rudder and many others is about an inch smaller in width (front to back) than the plans. A measuring exercise at Oshkosh showed that those who got their skins laid out in Torrance were all shy of the plans. We surmised more rudder skins fit on a sheet that way.

Author:  DaveDABQ [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

Have seen taller verticals, but probably for different reason(s).

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Author:  fytrplt [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

The taller vertical was to house a comm antenna that was popular in the day.

Author:  Ryan Allen [ Sun Oct 28, 2018 3:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The V-tail Thorp got me thinkning

Ah, the stabilator, thanks John. That V-tail just made me think about "other mods." That's in interesting pic with the large vertical fin.

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