8e. Twin Rudders

The twin rudders and small horizontal elevators are composite structures made from oak frames covered with fiberglass skins.

G10 Glass Fin.JPG (9464 bytes)

Cutting the .032" thick G10 fiberglass.

Fin Epoxy2.JPG (11446 bytes)

Bonding the first skin to its oak frame with epoxy.
1. Note the two steel tubes extending from the root rib. The fins are designed to be easily removed for travel from show to show. The two chrome moly tubes slip into receptacle tubes on the main F-18 frame and will be bolted in from below.
2. Note the 3/4" of skin extending past the trailing edge. This area becomes the location for the flashing LED's and strobe light.

Fin Translucent.JPG (6648 bytes)

The assembled rudder is translucent.

Fin Painted.JPG (13230 bytes)

Approximate position of the left rudder and parachute canister.