Tailplane
The horizontal stabilizer is the horizontal surface of the stabilizer , usually on the tail of an aircraft . It usually consists of a fixed part, the horizontal stabilizer , and a movable elevator . The horizontal stabilizer serves to stabilize and control the flight attitude around the transverse axis and thus also to control the angle of attack , according to the speed.
Designs
The horizontal stabilizer can be attached to the tail of the aircraft, i.e. after the wings, but also in front of it ( canard ). With the classic arrangement at the tail of the aircraft, various designs are possible. In the case of the T- tail , the horizontal tail is not attached to the fuselage, but on top of the vertical tail (see e.g. Boeing 727 ). An arrangement halfway up the vertical tail fin as a cross tail is also possible (example: Sud Aviation Caravelle ).
In more complex aircraft, such as commercial aircraft, the horizontal stabilizer is also movable, since it is used as a trimming device.
With the so-called pendulum rudder (also known as “stabilator” or “flying tailplane”), the functions of the rudder flap and fin are combined in a single movable surface (e.g. on the Piper PA-28 ).
Flight static design
During static straight flight, the horizontal stabilizer exerts a downward force on the tail in order to compensate for the top-heavy torque of the weight trim . In the so-called duck construction , the horizontal stabilizer is arranged in front of the wings and exerts an upward force on the bow during static straight flight to compensate for the top-heavy moment of weight trimming.
Elevator trim
With the trimmable horizontal stabilizer, the setting angle of the entire horizontal stabilizer can be changed for dynamic trimming in the manner of a pendulum rudder (fin trim), while the actual height control is carried out by the rudder flaps attached to the fin ( Piper PA-18 , Messerschmitt Bf 109 ). In smaller aircraft, trim rudders or spring trims that act on the rudder flaps are usually used; in these cases the horizontal stabilizer is rigidly connected to the aircraft fuselage.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ European patent EP2007 / 057044, description of the trim function of a trimmable elevator.