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Bob Gregory
03-14-2009, 07:23 AM
South Africa company working on tractor gyro for commercial use.
One big mother, three place, with lots of expermentation.

http://www.wagtail.co.za/products/Gyro%20Planes.htm
click on the Kriek two place tractor.

http://www.wagtail.co.za/products/Springkaan%20TD%20specs.htm
South Africa tractor, three place.

http://www.wagtail.co.za/products/Avionics.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qot5K3rsm2o&feature=channel_page

http://www.wagtail.co.za/africanpilot.pdf.

I see it now.
I saw it before.
I have seen it.
When it is loose it is loose.
When you lose it, it is lost.
When it is taut, it is tight.
If you are taught, you will learn.
bopflyer
03-20-2009, 12:20 PM
Thanks for the links, made for some interesting viewing!
WHY
03-20-2009, 06:19 PM
very interesting video, however it looks to me like the tail surfaces are a little to small for the size of this craft. With that said, this is one serious big size gyro, I know what a Toyota Supra engine is , but what is a RO engine?

Tony
barnstorm2
03-20-2009, 06:34 PM
http://www.wagtail.co.za/images/Springkaan%20side%20view.JPG

Neat!

.
bopflyer
03-21-2009, 11:13 AM
It was interesting to watch the video of the above gyro fly, it made a nice three point take off and landing, there seemed to be no noticable issues with the tail wheel and being hard to control.
WHY
03-21-2009, 06:37 PM
Hi bopflyer

This is a bit of what I was reffering to in post #1 on the "learning tractors". While it appeares that they have gotten "the numbers" right on these models it is also pointing out that there is still going to be some "extra" learning to be done when handling taildragger tractor gyro's especially the "three point" take off and landing which seems to be a speciality of the tractor gyro.

Tony
WHY
03-21-2009, 06:38 PM
Anybody see any evidence of some type of pre-rotor on these models?

Tony
JEFF TIPTON
03-22-2009, 12:40 PM
Not sure but do these two airframes look similar.
WHY
03-22-2009, 04:20 PM
Hi Jeff

There is no two ways about it that fuselage is a fixed wing converted, the pylon is attached to the spar attach points, and the tail is modified.

Tony
PW_Plack
03-22-2009, 05:24 PM
Wow...150 HP from a 1.6L engine, 420 HP from a Supra 6-cyl? Certainly not derating them for aircraft use!
bopflyer
03-23-2009, 12:02 AM
Hi Tony,

I guess anyone who wishes to build a tractor gyro will seek the training required to fully enable him or her to operate it safely. I know there are no tractor gyro instructors out there, but some time in a tail dragger should hold you in good stead. The pilots who fly them seem, by the most part to have no trouble.
cheeky
08-12-2010, 03:02 PM
Hi Tony,

I guess anyone who wishes to build a tractor gyro will seek the training required to fully enable him or her to operate it safely. I know there are no tractor gyro instructors out there, but some time in a tail dragger should hold you in good stead. The pilots who fly them seem, by the most part to have no trouble.

Correct on the first statement.
Not on the second :`)
The designer/engineer of these aircraft, Johan von Ludwig, is rated.
Correct on the last statement as well.
BTW, Wagtail are the manufacturers of the rotor system used in the new Spanish "Phenix" tractor gyro, including their hydraulic prerotator.
http://www.phenix.aero/
WHY
08-12-2010, 04:22 PM
Hi Barry

This is a belated reply , but you are quite correct about the taildragger training . Took training in a two pllace side by side gyro up to the point of solo, then stopped because I awould be flying a tractor but I have soloed a Aeronca 7AC , Citabria ,Cessna 140, Cessna 170, Piper PA-11 and a PA12, so feel comfortable in a taildragger.

Tony
Bob Gregory
08-12-2010, 05:40 PM
Another picture.

http://microlighters.co.za/download/file.php?id=15759&sid=06a405233a0e66e0854a5cbd10fe446b&mode=view

I see it now. I saw it before. I have seen it.
When it is loose it is loose. You could lose it.
When you lose it, it is lost. A loser does not mind losing.
A damper damps. To dampen makes it wet.
When it is taut, it is tight. If you are taught, you will learn.
If you want it fixed, fix it. If you want to talk about it,
this is the place.

For aircraft performance add lightness, lightly.
PalmPilot
08-12-2010, 05:46 PM
Tony, got to add some heli training to that list... You'll learn to keep tail from coming around real quick... :boink:

Mike
WHY
08-12-2010, 06:10 PM
Hi Mike

That's what I have heard Mike, that the tail is really critical on the Heli. What do you suppose it would be like on a Chinook ????

Tony
PalmPilot
08-12-2010, 07:51 PM
Hi Tony, I don't know much about the Chinook's, I'm a single main rotor kinda guy :D. I do admire the list of different aircraft you've flown, I only have an hour in a FW.
I'm interested in adding some future taildragger training along with the gyro, as well.... Darn, we sure chose some elite types of rotorcraft to fly.

Well, I guess that's what it takes to fly in a Leader amongst all the Followers.... :)

Mike "Get it, Tractor vs Pusher"