14 May 2019
The iconic Beech Bonanza Model 35 vee-tail is under threat because of shortage of replacement skins for the ruddervator – so the American Bonanza Society (ABS) has launched a $200,000 competition for a solution.
A number of the aircraft, manufactured between 1947 and 1982, have already been grounded because the magnesium skin has corroded. Textron Aviation, which now owns the Beechcraft marque, has issues in supplying replacement skins.
The ABS Air Safety Foundation Manuel Maciel Aviation Research Prize is to spur research and certification of alternatives to current ruddervator skinning techniques.
Could you design a replacement for the Bonanza’s vee-tail? Main photo by Bill Larkins
The Society says that the grade of magnesium used for ruddervator (pitch/yaw) flight control skinning is very costly and difficult to source.
Magnesium corrodes rapidly when exposed to atmosphere, and the need to reskin ruddervators is fairly common — there are currently no approved repairs to even very light damage or corrosion to magnesium ruddervators except for complete control surface reskin. Ruddervators require precise balance and aerodynamic flutter properties, and must be kept comparatively light to avoid excessive aircraft tail-heaviness.
The challenge is to engineer a replacement skin or complete replacement control surface that meets balance and flutter protection requirements, that does not adversely affect overall aircraft weight and balance, and that uses readily available materials (more readily sourced magnesium, aircraft aluminium, composite and/or modern, long-life fabric covering), at costs comparable to existing control reskin or replacement, while addressing any issue of dissimilar materials interaction.
Full details of the competition are here.
6 comments
I’m working on one as we speak. Nice looking aircraft. Cant get parts for it.
I’m currently looking to buy my first plane and as it is I seem to be drawn to the V35.. So this issue with the Ruddervater is becoming a very real issue with my decision to maybe .. not buy and likely is becoming a very real issue with those looking to sell.. at a loss even because .. the future is not so bright.. Seems carbon fiber is a simple and cost effective solution.. Think about it just a little!!! How hard must this be? It’s not Rocket Science! And it’s already in use in so many applications. F18s… experimentals… Just build the ruddervaders and trim tabs from it.. paint & balance .. and install! Oh and get them “Blessed” by all who must get their hand it the pot! That must be the real issue… Oh My! Maybe I will look again at a Velocity?
My father was an A & E who worked on one based at his field . Werent they the subject of litigation for faulty design? One just crashed in Billings killing pilot with over 30 years flying experience and wife last week.
I retired from IBM last year and started working on my private pilot certification. Something that I had always wanted. The other thing is a Beechcraft Bonanza 1955~1965 model 35 I have been in love with the plane since I was in high school in the early 1970. I am willing to get a plane that needs some good loving
I currently have both right and left ruddervators for early V tails. Good for 35s up to H models. These are ones with no rivets running down the center. The both have trim tabs attached. They are in really good condition with no signs of any corrosion. Can be shipped safely
Carl what are you asking for the ruddervators ?
What do you think for Shipping to Toms River NJ?