Flying Magazine

JUNE 30, 2025

Ailerons are actuated by pushrods that run through the wing struts, reducing aerodynamic drag and giving the responsive ailerons a solid feel. In general, tailwheel airplanes do well on unimproved airstrips because of prop clearance and, with larger main gear tires, the ability to handle ruts and uneven ground.

Gross Weight

Vintage Aviation News

DECEMBER 15, 2024

The X-4 had no horizontal stabilizer in order to avoid interaction of shockwaves between the wings but had a vertical stabilizer and rudder. For better maintenance access, the small tail of the aircraft could be removed to work on or remove the engines. Today, both X-4s remain in existence.

Stability

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Planespotters note the F2’s separate ailerons and flaps, conventional tail. But you can see the change to separate ailerons and flaps is just one part of preparing the F2 to grow into a four-place airplanebuying aerodynamic benefits now to spend later on a heavier, more powerful model. Out back, theres an entirely new tail.

Rudder

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The wing’s dead-smooth surface plus the tight-fitting aileron and flap brackets plus aileron gap seals give the build a professional factory look (left). Just recognizable in the background is a horizontal stabilizer and one-piece elevator. The old Grummans are, sadly, near extinction in workable form today.

Airplanes