Turtle deck vs rudder post height

[cpd]

I didn't get plans with my bird and it seems turtle deck height and rudder post height are some of the most changed items. Can someone give me the dimensions for the stock tail fin/rudder and stock turtle deck? I'm curious as to where my bird lies compared to the plans.



Chris

 

[soneraifred]

The stock turtledeck height on the original Sonerai II is 16-3/8” above the centerline of the top longeron. On the Stretched version, it’s 18-3/8”. The top of the vertical tail post on the original is 34-3/8” above the centerline of the bottom longeron. On the Stretch, it’s 36”. On my IIL, I raised the turtledeck 2”, and squared off the vertical tail shape to make it look more P-51ish, which added about 10% to its surface area. The airplane was pretty much neutral in yaw. Once I added a trim wedge to the LH side of the rudder, it flew feet off the pedals at cruise. Also, I’d suggest buying a set of plans.

 

[cpd]

Thanks Fred, I just measured up my bird, turtle deck is 18.5" and top of the rudder post is 36.5". Fuselage length from rudder trailing edge to prop flange measures 18ft. So both raised about 2".

Chris