Author Topic: Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20  (Read 471 times)

Offline Stoney74

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Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
« on: September 23, 2007, 02:54:29 PM »
I was wondering what the purpose of the dihedral on the horizontal stab was for.  I know the purpose of dihedral on wings, but don't understand what it is supposed to accomplish on the stab.

Anyone?

Offline Greebo

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Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2007, 03:42:19 PM »
Tail dihedral increases an aircraft's rear side area, increasing yaw stability, but at a slight loss of pitch stability. Making the vertical tail surfaces bigger would have acheived the same result, but at more expense, drag and weight.

Also at some angles of attack turbulence from the wing can disrupt clean airflow over the tail surfaces, reducing elevator response. Giving the tail dihedral might reduce this effect in some cases.

Offline BigPlay

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Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2007, 02:13:14 PM »
it must add to the fragileness of those wings, they tear off easier than cheap toilet paper.:lol