Traditional leaf springs get the job done, but T3 “tailshocks” give you a smoother taxi and protection from hard landings.
High-Tech Tailshock
Traditional leaf springs get the job done, but T3 “tailshocks” give you a smoother taxi and protection from hard landings.
Still on the fence? Here's what a few pilots running T3s have to say:
As for the T3 suspension, mine is installed (using Dan’s latest mounting design) and has been test taxied and flown. The tailwheel is AMAZING! Completely different airplane on the ground. Taxis better, lands better, keeps coffee hotter -- no, just kidding on the last one." - Dennis Vanatta, Glasair Sportsman
Finally tried out enough to do some testing. Perfect! That spring system works so well that it isn't even noticeable. I hope you take that as the compliment it is." - Alan Arnolde
With an articulated spring/damper system that prevents harsh movement like you'd get with a leaf spring (without damping), the T3 is a unit we have flown on our own bush plane and like a lot. It interfaces with the fuselage and the standard Scott tailwheel yoke, and it allows firm touchdowns on the tailwheel, without the rebound of a stiff spring that can launch you into a gallop down the runway." - Paul Dye, "Kitfox S7 STi: A Wonderful Development" from
Kitplanes Magazine
"Now having almost 100 hours on my new Backcountry Super Cub Revision 2, I can tell you in full confidence that the T3 tail suspension is a gamechanger. Having several thousand hours in traditional leaf springs, the T3 suspension allows for a smooth ride and removes the bouncy feel of a traditional tail. I will recommend the T3 to anyone that's looking for next level performance for their bird." - Kevin Quinn,
Bigtirepilot.com
"All installed - flown it a couple times now both on pavement at my home airport and gravel. I love it!!! Spent a few minutes today setting the preload and rebound - it is amazing the difference compared to the leaf spring. The tail just feels like it's floating now instead of banging around." - Steve Harris
"I didn't really have a problem with the old single tailspring [and] I'd never broken [one], but I had broken ALL the welds in the aft of the fuselage at around 1800 hours of fun. It was a pain to fix, so when this new tail suspension came out it caught my attention. Plus it looked cool. I was so impressed in general with the T3 that I had to have one for the new S7 Courier I was trying to sell. I ended up flying that one from Ohio to the west coast, up to Alaska, and back all at gross weight. It's been a solid, reliable setup." - Greg Swingle,
Ohio Bush Planes
"I can't sing enough high praises about my T3. Lighten up the spring for light loads and let it flex. Tighten up as needed when you load 'er down. Anything I can do to releive stress on my tail section, I'm game for." - Posted by Timberwolf on
BackcountryPilot.org
All T3 Tailwheel Suspension Systems models are currently for experimental use only.
