Rudder angles

[asra]

Hi guys,Whats the standard amount of deflection I should have on my rudder either side of neutral?Paul

[Tim]

This depends totally of the type of rudder being used. More information required.

[Disco]

What tim said but.

[Greg Mitchell]

I seem to think the Butterfly, Monarchs etc full flying tails are set at 10 degrees.Mitch

[asra]

Thanks, I only just got back to the computer today so appreciate the replies.Tim, the fin and rudder is a conventional design with a fin surface area of 1.65 sq/ft (0.154 sq/mtr) and a rudder area of 4.85 sq/ft (0.451 sq/mtr).

[Tim]

Gyros are a different kettle of aluminium to most other aircraft and rudder responses vary considerably.Gyros are generaly low speed aircraft and the onset of stall will occur at different angles at 50kts as compared to 150 kts. In general an airfoil shaped rudder is more efficient at directing airflow than a flat plate. A cambered airfoil (fin plus rudder) is more efficient at directing airflow than a fully flying tail. Also, the gyro is so short that excess deflection of the rudder out to one side will not only still deflect some air (especially in the prop blast) but will also create considerable offset drag - effectively still doing the same job. As such it is quite acceptable to have more rudder deflection than would normally be considered practical, especially with a cambered airfoil.Up to 40 degrees should be OK considering that you do not have to use it all and that it can sometimes come in handy with a blast from the prop in a strong cross wind.

[asra]

Thanks Tim, good info.