GR-2C - Anti-Torque Tail - Reduced servo load - Micro autogyro
255 views · Published 4 January 2016 · 3:04 · Indexed 29 October 2026
Channel: RCmags · 2016 · Entertainment
This is my GR-2B after having: - Replaced the tail - Modified the servos and linkage system that controls the rotor gimbal. The changes to the tail are as follows: As a result of using a very large, slow turning, high pitch propeller, a tremendous amount of reaction torque was felt by the fuselage. Previously I countered this torque via thrust vectoring by tilting the rotor a fixed amount . While this worked well in level, steady flight, the effect was variable. Any change in rotor lift would cause a change in counter torque. There are two severe drawbacks to this approach: - Any change in motor torque from the steady state trim would result in a rolling tendency. By shutting the motor off, Strong cyclic had to be used to counter the trim. This was very noticeable in power of descents. - Instantaneous increases in load, such as during turns or pulling up during a climb would offset the torque balance, resulting in a strong rolling tendency. This made climb-outs and turns somewhat unpredictable. To counter these deficiencies, I used the tail of the autogyro as a stator to reduce the rotation of the propeller wash. This created a counter torque that mostly cancelled that generated by the propeller. As a means to increase the efficiency of the tail as a stator I changed it from a T tail to a Y tail, with all fins at 120 degrees from one another. This enhanced the counter torque ability tremendously as compared to only using the horizontal segment of a T tail. The effects of this change were magnificent! Torque was approximately cancelled at all speeds and no longer did changes in loading affect stability. The Aircraft was far more predictable, especially in wind where rapid unloading and loading of the rotor occurs. Using the tail to counter engine torque is a must in my opinion to maximize the performance of an autogyro. I absolutely recommend this!
