Figs. 2-3. Typical "V" Chassis With Axle Guide.
The metal shod ash skid stick is hinged to the lower face of the fuselage, and at the upper end is attached to a stationary fuselage member through four turns of elastic cord. When the skid strikes an obstacle the rubber gives and allows the tail to move in relation to the ground. By this arrangement the greater part of the device is enclosed within the fuselage and, hence, produces little head resistance.
Fig 4. (Below). Lawson Training Tractor Biplane. Fig. 5 (Above). Hansa-Brandenburg Fighting Biplane Showing Chassis and Tail Skid (t).
Fig. 7 is the skid chassis of the Farman biplane which shows clearly the arrangement of the skids and the shock absorbing suspension. A metal bridge is attached to the axle, and a series of short rubber bands are used in connecting the axle bridge, and the bridge on the skid. A triangular tubular radius rod is attached to the axle and hinged to the skid. This restrains the travel of the axle in a fore and aft direction. Another form of skid shock absorber is given by Fig. 8, in which the rubber rings pass over a spool on the axle. The guiding links or radius rods on the inside of the skids regulate the axle travel. In general, the use of a radius rod is not desirable as it transmits a percentage of the shock to the machine.
Fig. 7. (Left). Farman Skid Type Chassis. Fig. 8. Another Type of Skid Chassis in Which the Axle Is Guided by a Radius Rod or Lever.
Fig. 9. Chassis Details of the Nieuport Monoplane. This Has a Central Skid and Uses an Automobile Type Steel Spring Instead of Rubber Cord. Fig. 10 Is a Detail of the Nieuport Spring. (At Right.)