Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Stoney74 on September 23, 2007, 02:54:29 PM

Title: Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
Post by: Stoney74 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?

Title: Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
Post by: Greebo 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.

Title: Horizontal Stabilizer Dihedral on the A-20
Post by: BigPlay 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