Re: Tailwheel Shimmy and Spring
The original Grove aluminum tail wheel spring was very different and most certainly had a stiffer ride. One of the reasons that spring is no longer produced. The development of the new aluminum spring had that in mind and the attempt was made to have the aluminum spring ride like the steel spring... and it is real close. It is slightly lighter than the steel 3 leaf spring and mounts completely different. Works on the same principal as the main gear using the radius block at the rear mount.
Re: Tailwheel Shimmy and Spring
Thanks John for the clarification.
One other advantage of the aluminum spring is greater stiffness torsionally (greater resistance to side loads) which I believe is one reason why it feels more stable on rollout in gusty conditions.