Aircraft Tail

The aircraft tail is a very vital part of the aircraft. It provides for the stabilization of the aircraft and also provides for the control moments that are required for the maneuver and trim. The aircraft tail is always tried to be kept as small as possible because its surface adds wetted area as well as the structural weight. However, the aircraft tail is not always seen to be small rather it is sized normally based on the required control power. There are several sections that need to be discussed in order to consider the various aspects of the decision that needs to be taken regarding the aircraft configuration selection.

There has been a wide variety of the aircraft tail shapes that have been taken into consideration over the past few years. The configurations of these aircraft tail are denoted by the letters that are resembled by the shapes of the tails of the aircraft. These letter may include T, V, H, +, Y, inverted V. The configuration of the aircraft tail is selected on the basis of the complex system level considerations.

Generally, the conventional configuration with a low horizontal tail is selected and it is assumed to be the natural choice. This is because the roots of the horizontal as well as the vertical surfaces are attached conveniently and directly to the fuselage. This configuration ensures more effectiveness of the vertical tail.
The T shaped aircraft tail is chosen in order to move the horizontal tail away from the engine exhaust and to reduce the aerodynamic interferences. This arrangement is especially important for short coupled designs that may include the business jets. There are the disadvantages of this arrangement that may include higher vertical fin loads, potential flutter problems and the difficulties associated with deep-stall.
Therefore, the configuration of the aircraft tail must be decided based on the various aspects of the requirements that may vary according to the different cases.