Ever wonder why airplanes have a tailplane? From commercial airliners to commuter airplanes and military jets, most airplanes have a short lifting service on their tail. Known as a tailplane or horizontal stabilizer, it serves several purposes.
Stability
The main purpose of a tailplane is to provide stability. During flight, airplanes are affected by several forces, including drag and weight. The tailplane is designed to counter these forces so that the airplane remains relatively stable. even when exposed to such forces, the airplane’s nose won’t bob up and down; the tailplane will stabilize the airplane so that the nose points forward.
Elevators
If you inspect a tailplane up close, you may notice that it has a pair of hinged surfaces on it. Known as elevators, these hinged surfaces provide pitch control. Pilots can engage the elevators to control the airplane’s pitch. When the pilot moves the elevators, the airplane’s nose will rise or drop. Pilots can use the tailplane’s elevators to climb to a higher altitude or descend to a lower altitude via pitch control.
Trim Tabs
In addition to elevators, many airplanes feature trim tabs on their tailplane. They are typically located on the trailing edge of the tailplane. Trim tabs are flight control surfaces that assist pilots with maintaining a constant pitch — all without relying on the yoke or rudder. When a pilot moves the trim control wheel, the trim tabs will deflect up or down.
Damping
Tailplanes provide damping. Damping refers to the force that reduces an airplane’s oscillatory motion. It’s a key component of stability. Wind guests, of course, can cause an oscillatory motion and, thus, a loss of control. To minimize this oscillatory motion and the effects it causes, airplanes are equipped with a tailplane. The tailplane will provide damping so that the airplane remains more stable during flight.
Fuel Efficiency
Another reason airplanes have a tailplane is fuel efficiency. Airplanes with a tailplane are more fuel efficient than those without a tailplane. This is because the tailplane reduces the amount of lift the wings need to generate to keep the airplane in the air. As a result, the airplane becomes more fuel efficient, allowing for longer flight distances with the same amount of fuel.
In Conclusion
It may seem like tailplanes are used strictly for aesthetics, but this isn’t the case. They serve several purposes, some of which include stability, elevators, trim tabs, damping and fuel efficiency.
