7 tail on a 6?

[gwav8or]

Was talking to an RV8OR the other day and they mentioned the possibility of putting the tail of a 7 on a 6. Is this even possible?

[mike newall]

The standard upgrade is to replace the fin and rudder with that from an 8, not a 7.

Several been done.

[RViter]

Originally Posted by mike newall

The standard upgrade is to replace the fin and rudder with that from an 8, not a 7.

Several been done.

Installed the -8 VS/Rudder on my RV-6A during build. It's one line-item to get all the components, making it easy to order. Adds surface on the VS and rudder. It's 0.020 skin on the rudder. And, it is all factory pre-punched, facilitating assembly. The TE is rolled, not the 'wedge' and it's still possible to get 'curvature' in the TE by rivet sequencing and techniques. (Ask how I know?)

It weighs more than the 'classic' VS/rudder (-6/6A), can't tell you wt or surface area differences but it is more of both. Consideration; if you build a 'light' plane the CG effect may be a factor. My standard FP Sensenich prop, light-wt SkyTec starter, FWF Odessey battery and PlanePower alternator vs a CS prop are factors.

My CG is mid-range to aft CG in almost every load configuration, never in forward range. Keep in mind the potential impact on exceeding aft-CG limits. I'm happy with all the flight characteristics but have no experience with a Classic VS equipped config. I do W&B for all flights and monitor 'weight creep' (junk in the baggage area). Not paranoid or worried but would be aware of it. [Empty 1064 Lbs CG 71.0]

Did NOT offset the VS, straight down the center line. Standard lead weight (per plans) in the rudder, not 'balanced' otherwise.

[Mark33]

I don?t know if there?s any difference in the 7 or 8 VS, but the rudder is definitely different. I?m building a -7 but I?m incorporating an 8 rudder. So, if the 7 and 8 VS are the same then I?m sure you could choose which rudder you prefer.

The 7 rudder (which is actually a 9 rudder) is larger and will supposedly give you more authority and better spin recovery. The early 7?s came with the 8 rudder but at some point Vans decided that the 9 rudder was more forgiving. How much it really matters in normal everyday flight is above my pay grade, but I haven?t heard of anyone that?s replaced their 8 rudder for a 9 rudder.

I personally like the looks of the slightly smaller 8 rudder and the skins are definitely thicker. Hopefully they?ll be a few people chime in that?s replaced their 9 rudder with the 8 rudder and give a pirep on any differences they?ve experienced in the flight characteristics between the two. Once again, I?m in the building phase, so I can?t give any firsthand experiences yet.

Mark

[catmandu]

I went down this road. Because of weight (cg), for a -6 you can put an early -7/current -8 tail on it, but not a late -7/current -9 tail on it. Clear as mud?

[gwav8or]

I appreciate all the replies. I honestly expected some snarky comments like I normally get in another (Certified Aircraft) forum. So I really do appreciate the replies.

I?m thinking of buying (1-2 years out) an already built 6 and was wondering about the feasibility of replacing the tail with a larger rudder from a 7. Looks like replacing with an 8 rudder is more feasible. Is it possible/feasible on an already flying 6?

[BillL]

Originally Posted by gwav8or

I appreciate all the replies. I honestly expected some snarky comments like I normally get in another (Certified Aircraft) forum. So I really do appreciate the replies.

I?m thinking of buying (1-2 years out) an already built 6 and was wondering about the feasibility of replacing the tail with a larger rudder from a 7. Looks like replacing with an 8 rudder is more feasible. Is it possible/feasible on an already flying 6?

Yes, but look carefully, it might be exactly the same. Check skin thickness. .016" or .020".

[rvmills]

Originally Posted by gwav8or

I appreciate all the replies. I honestly expected some snarky comments like I normally get in another (Certified Aircraft) forum. So I really do appreciate the replies.

I?m thinking of buying (1-2 years out) an already built 6 and was wondering about the feasibility of replacing the tail with a larger rudder from a 7. Looks like replacing with an 8 rudder is more feasible. Is it possible/feasible on an already flying 6?

I replaced the original VS and rudder on my RV-6 after owning it for a few years. Very straight forward, no complications in installation at all. I didn't even need to modify the empennage fairing (that may have been lucky though).

Cheers,
Bob

[WingsOnWheels]

I have a -7 tail on my -6A. There were no huge differences in the installation. Had to rework the intersection fairing though.

[Snowflake]

Having flown my original rudder -6 for about 10 years now, i'd ask why you'd bother changing the rudder if you didn't have to...