SRS Aviation Recognized for Their Innovation in Magnesium Ruddervator Replacement Skins

The American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation announced an award of the half-million-dollar Air Safety Foundation Manual (ASF) Maciel Ruddervator Price to SRS Aviation LLC.

SRS spent over three years researching magnesium production and developing its ability to manufacture and work with magnesium components to create a replacement skin for eroded ruddervators. 

The V-tail Bonanza design faced a threat that potentially targeted the entire Beechcraft Bonanza/Baron product line; their replacement ruddervators were no longer available at any price. Ruddervators refer to the movable control surfaces located on the V-tail; any minor corrosion to the ruddervator would render the airplane unairworthy. Of the 10,402 v-tails built between 1947 and 1982, 5000 are still flying in the U.S. today.

The ABS Air Safety Foundation established the Maciel Ruddervator Prize to encourage mechanical industries to craft an FAA-approved replacement for the damaged Ruddervators that are additionally lower in price. The $500,000 prize stood as an incentive to fund the eventual production of replacement ruddervators, with the requirement of 100 ready-to-install kits to show commitment.

SRS initially had experience with aluminum replacement skins for the aircraft, but found that the balance requirements necessary for the V-tail could not be met with aluminum. With the successful production of magnesium replacements, SRS received FAA approval to conduct everything from skin replacements to total repairs and rebuilds of ruddervators. Parts are now cheaper than when they were last available in 2021, as per the prize requirement.

With individual donations from ABS members, the prize amount increased to $528,110 in total. The price per kit will vary depending on design. The check was written to the President and owner of SRS, Dave Laurin, who promises to “use the Maciel Prize money to order more magnesium to build more ruddervators.”

The SRS was initially hesitant to take on the challenges, but when no other companies took a bite, SRS decided to take the risk that earned them funding.

“These new SRS ruddervators will help preserve our Beechcraft fleet for generations to come,” said ABS Board President Susan Delgado. 

FMI: https://www.bonanza.org/