We offer two models of tail wheels. They all feature carbon fiber springs which are made in compression molds and cured in an autoclave. There are two different spring dimensions. All of our tail wheels have identical yoke and wheel assemblies. The wheel, yoke, spring and steering arm are all included when you buy an assembly. 

Our large tail wheel assemblies are 8 inches long and will lift the back of the fuselage 4 1/2 inches off the ground. The assemble weighs less than 3 ounces. The carbon fiber spring is 3/16 of an inch thick and 7/8 inches wide. These tail wheels are intended for aircraft in the 35% to 45% size category.

The tail wheels with the shorter springs are 7 inches long and will lift the back of the fuselage 3 1/4 inches off the ground. The assembly weighs less than 3 ounces. The carbon fiber spring is 1/8 inch thick and 7/8 inches wide. These tail wheels are intended for aircraft in the 25% to the 30% size category.

All our tail wheels come ready to accept a steering arm (supplied) for those who like to use springs from the rudder horn or push rods. We also drill a 1/16 hole through the yoke to accept a tiller arm or direct drive steering method. See the Gallery for photos of our direct drive tiller arm installations. Pre-bent tiller arms are available and pictured at right.

Our standard tire is a softer compound a la Du Bro. We also offer an optional urethane spoked wheel that is molded directly onto the hub. This stuff is tough as nails and will take lots of abuse.  Industrial conveyor systems, roller coaster wheels and skate boards all utilize urethane tires. The draw back to the urethane is the noise on hard surface runways but you will never wear it out. Both of our tail wheel/tires are pictured at bottom right.

  The tail wheel assembly with carbon fiber spring, colors are illustrative only.  Optional spoked wheel shown

Both the wheel hub and the yoke are CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum. The axle and the yoke pivots rotate on lubricant impregnated bushings. There is also a pair of nylon thrust washers captured between the spring and the yoke. There are no moving metal to metal fits. A steel thin wall  sleeve (.031) is pressed over the aluminum axle to insure long service life.

                           Our steering arms

Some applications, particularly those with a wide rudder, make it difficult to use our regular steering arm (pictured below the extended arm). We now offer an extended steering arm for these situations.

                     Our selection of tail wheels

We offer tires for all types of field surfaces. Our regular tire is a soft compound for all around use. We also offer an optional hard urethane covered spoked wheel for maximum wear. The spoked wheel with the urethane tire is the lightest combination we offer. Our regular tire is on the left. Our spoked urethane tire is shown on the right. They are interchangeable.  Some customers have been unhappy with the noise the hard urethane tires make on hard surfaces.

Direct drive tiller arm set up

We have the direct drive tiller arm kits available which include the attaching collar and ball link, everything you will need.

Tiller arm Kit