Alternative Onex Gear (Tail Dragger)

[WesRagle]

Hi Guys,

I was cleaning out my email and came across a sketch of the Onex landing gear Steve Bennett built to give the Onex some extra ground clearance (+4"). The gear is heavier, both longer and thicker. Since O'Keefe Aero is now out of business I thought it would be OK to post the sketch before it's lost.

Note this statement from the old O'Keefe web site.
All gear is made from 2024-T351 aluminum and is 5/8" thick and varies in widths from 5" to 7" (Thanks Rusty).

Here is where the gear was first discussed.
https://sonexbuilders.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1989&p=14798&hilit=gear+alloy#p14784

Note that it is advisable to add 2 to 3 deg. of extra bend at the bottom bend of the gear leg.

I used this gear and am happy with it. It gives the Onex a more manly stance ;-)



Don't know where to get axles since O'Keefe is gone.

Thanks,

Wes

[Scott Todd]

I REALLY like the taller gear. I can't think of any engineering reasons to want one other that it will slow it down a little, but I sure do like the idea :) A nice tapered trailing edge could make up the drag difference. Hmm...I do have access to a 60 ton press...

[WesRagle]

Hi Scott,

A nice tapered trailing edge could make up the drag difference.

For the taper I just copied what was done on the Sonex. Once I got the piece where I wanted it, I traced the profile onto a piece of hardwood, then I cut and fitted it between the gear leg and the fairing. I drilled, tapped, and counter sunk for one #8 screw to keep it from sliding down. It's been there ever since. More weight but ...



For final assembly I sleeved the brake line to protect it.



Polish or paint and your good to go.



Well, except for at the top of the leg.




Wes

[13brv3]

Thanks for posting all that Wes. I wish Sonex offered a taller gear, but honestly I don't think we'll see any updates to the Onex. I'm sure they kept the gear as short as possible to reduce the folded height, and because the Aerovee didn't need any more prop clearance.

Rusty

[WesRagle]

Hi Rusty,

I don't think we'll see any updates to the Onex.

Sadly, I think you are right.

Wes