GR-3B - Caster and tricycle gear - Micro Autogyro
144 views · Published 30 July 2018 · 3:17 · Indexed 29 October 2026
Channel: RCmags · 2018 · Entertainment
This is the second iteration of my GR-3 Autogyro. Here the frame was rebuilt using a tricycle landing gear configuration. In addition to this, the front wheel was given a small caster and and restrained using a weak spring. These modifications were primarily done to improve the landing stability of the aircraft. The previous design used a tail dragger configuration which proved to be very unstable during landings and was prone causing a roll-over. While on paper the design does not appear to be any worse than a tricycle arrangement, in reality rolling resistance induces an effective braking force that drastically changes what wheel configuration proves stable. To overcome this problem and to gain the ability to perform safe landings, a tricycle configuration was used as it will remain stable under a strong braking force. That is to say, even if the wheels add a resisting force during landings, they will not tend to cause ground roll and tip over the aircraft. To further improve the ground handling stability of the autogyro, the front wheel was given a caster. This meant that even if the aircraft did not impact the ground aligned with its direction of motion, the front wheel would tend to steer into this orientation and stabilize the landing, hopefully preventing a roll over and the blades hitting the ground. Landings were a calm process now with this improved landing gear.
