MATCO T6 SOLID 6-INCH TAILWHEEL

T-6
MATCO mfg produces an superior six inch tail wheel for use with tail dragger aircraft which require a light weight tail wheel--the T-6.

The T-6 tail wheel has a six inch solid rubber tire and an overall length of 10.00 inches. Maximum width of this tail wheel with fully splayed arms is 9.29 inches and overall height is 9.71 inches. This composite tail wheel weighs 4.75 pounds.

The T-6 tail wheel has a .625 precision sealed ball bearing which is rigorously tested and designed to resist bearing fatigue providing a long bearing life. The arms and wings of the tail wheel fork assembly are composed of 4130 which is heat treated to a Rockwell 38-43 to ensure strength and are irridited to prevent corrosion. The tail wheel base and forks are cast and then black anodized to prevent corrosion as well.

The T-6 tail wheel incorporates a geometric release mechanism that allows the wheel to caster after reaching a steered angle of 40 degrees (earlier release available with optional steering arms WHLT-03A). This allows the tail wheel assembly to be steerable and full swiveling and provides easy installation with variant spring tension. This wheel has been designed to release with light spring tension and can accomodate either a 1.25 or 1.50 wide spring (Use part number WHLTWB-1 adapter for 1.75 inch wide springs). When a 1.50 inch spring is used, a .25 inch spacer should be used between the base and the spring. The assembly should be mounted on the flat spring so that the pivoting axle is as close to vertical as possible when the plane is loaded.

All assembly bushings are made of oil impregnated brass so only routine lubrication is needed during the life of the tail wheel. The ball bearings in the wheel assembly are sealed and do not require lubrication either. In addition, the vertical axle has been redesigned to .625 for added strength and durability.

The six inch composite wheel is made using fiberglass reinforced nylon and has an operating load of 450 pounds.

Assembly Drawing

Installation Drawing

How the Geometric Release Works