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...
Design Process: All-Moving Tails
A conventional horizontal tail has a fixed horizontal stabilizer with an elevator hinged to it to provide pitch control. The “fixed” portion of the...
Design Process: Pitch Force Trim
For an airplane to maintain steady-state level flight it must be trimmed in pitch. The airplane is trimmed when the net pitching moment acting...
Design Process: Tail Trim Functions
In addition to stabilizing the airplane in pitch, the horizontal tail must also trim the airplane. In steady-state level flight, the airplane flies at...
Design Process: Horizontal Tail
The horizontal tail has two functions. It provides control power to trim and maneuver the airplane in pitch, and it stabilizes the airplane about...
Design Process: Tail Surfaces
The tail of the airplane performs three functions: It stabilizes the aircraft in both pitch and yaw. It provides trim. It provides control power...
Design Process: End Plates and Winglets
A wing produces a pressure difference between its upper and lower surface. The pressure on top of the wing is lower than the pressure...
Design Process: Wingtips
In our study of wing design, we have progressed from the inner portion and the flaps to the outer part of the span and...
Design Process: Aileron Types
The size and planform of the ailerons are set by the roll-control power needed to meet flying qualities and maneuvering requirements. Once the designer...
Design Process: Ailerons
Last month we looked at roll control schemes for airplanes where high lift or other requirements do not leave enough room on the wing’s...
In Case You Missed It
Preparing For First Start
Steve Ells discusses the preparation and procedures for starting your new or newly overhauled engine for the first time.
Aero ‘lectrics
Impressed by the quality of the cheap headsets he encountered on a recent commercial airliner flight, Jim Weir dissected the airline unit and has come up with a way to replicate it in your own shop.