Barnaby Wainfan
Barnaby is a Technical Fellow for Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Design organization. A private pilot with single-engine and glider ratings, Barnaby has been involved in the design of unconventional airplanes including canards, joined wings, flying wings and some too strange to fall into any known category.
Design Process: Engine Size
The engine of an airplane must produce enough power to meet the requirements of all phases of the mission.
First, the engine must accelerate the...
Design Process: Strakes and Ventral Fins
On some airplanes, the basic empennage does not provide acceptable flying qualities in all flight regimes. Supplemental surfaces to augment directional stability, improve high...
H-tails and Triple Tails
The majority of airplanes use the conventional tail configuration with a single, centrally mounted vertical tail and rudder. Sometimes, however, the vertical tail is...
Design Process: T-Tails
A T-tail is a configuration where the horizontal tail is mounted on top of the vertical tail rather than directly to the fuselage. T-tails...
Design Process: V-Tails
A V-tail is a configuration where the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin are replaced by a pair of surfaces mounted at a high dihedral...
Design Process: Vertical Tail Spin Considerations
Not every airplane is designed to perform intentional spins, but that doesn’t mean the designer can safely ignore the effect of the vertical tail...
Design Evolution on Display
In the antique/classics parking at AirVenture this year we found a replica of Benny Howard's Mr. Mulligan parked between a pair of Howard DGA-15s....
Design Process: Vertical Tail Planform
The size and shape of the planform of the vertical tail determine its ability to perform its stabilizing and control functions.
In steady-state cruise flight,...
Design Process: The Rudder
The fixed portion of the vertical tail of an airplane provides directional stability. The rudder provides directional control.
When the pilot deflects the rudder, it...
Design Process: Vertical Tail Functions–Yaw Stability and Damping
The vertical tail performs multiple tasks to stabilize and control the airplane. This month we will explore what the vertical tail contributes to the...
In Case You Missed It
Down to Earth
The break-in and fly-off periods are nearly complete for the Vans RV-10, and now its time for paint and soon an unplanned cross-country trip; by Amy Laboda.
Texas Sport Cub
The Texas Sport Cubs combination of classic good looks and todays technology will appeal to those who are looking to rekindle an old flame or those hoping to initiate a new love affair.
Stearns Stuff
Clean, fast, and composite, the KIS TR-1 makes a fine cruiser. There just aren't many of them.
