Earlier this year we talked about All-moving tail surfaces on pivoting, tubular spars inspired by the Evans Volksplane VP-1 and VP-2 rudder design. Setting aside the tubular spar question, there are a number of aircraft that have used interchangeable tail surfaces and even wings. The most extreme that comes to mind is the Emigh Trojan A-2, which used interchangeable rudder/elevators, horizontal/vertical stabs, left/right ailerons, gear legs and wheels (including the nosewheel), and even the wings, which used a completely symmetrical section so the left and right wings could be essentially identical.
That last one is probably a step too far, but I do think that the approach has merit. Even if a one-off homebuilt aircraft can't take advantage of the economies of scale and reduced tooling that come from interchangeable parts, it's still easier to make a few more of the same rib or another part just like the last one as you build. What do folks think of applying this approach to a simple homebuilt of modest performance...worth the effort to encourage first-time builders or too gimmicky and limiting?
Cheers,
Matthew
That last one is probably a step too far, but I do think that the approach has merit. Even if a one-off homebuilt aircraft can't take advantage of the economies of scale and reduced tooling that come from interchangeable parts, it's still easier to make a few more of the same rib or another part just like the last one as you build. What do folks think of applying this approach to a simple homebuilt of modest performance...worth the effort to encourage first-time builders or too gimmicky and limiting?
Cheers,
Matthew
