Airplanes feature a variety of flight control surfaces, including horizontal stabilizers. Also known as tailplanes, horizontal stabilizers are adjustable flaps located on the tail of an airplane. They are used primarily to stabilize airplanes while simultaneously increasing lift.
Not all horizontal stabilizers are the same, however. While they all consist of horizontal, adjustable flaps on the tail, they are available in different styles. Some airplanes, for instance, feature variable-position horizontal stabilizers.
Overview of Variable-Position Horizontal Stabilizers
Variable-position horizontal stabilizers are able to change the airplane’s pitch and flaperon setting at the same time. They are still found on the tail, and they are used primarily to stabilize airplanes — just like all horizontal stabilizers. Variable-position horizontal stabilizers, though, feature a different design than their counterparts.
Traditional horizontal stabilizers only function like elevators. Pilots can raise or lower traditional horizontal stabilizers to change the airplane’s pitch. Variable-position horizontal stabilizers function as elevators as well, but they feature a flaperon setting as well.
Flaperon Settings and Variable-Position Horizontal Stabilizers
The flaperon setting will control the angle at which the variable-position horizontal stabilizer points. All variable-position horizontal stabilizers can have a positive or negative flaperon setting. A positive flaperon setting will increase drag, whereas a negative flaperon setting will reduce drag.
When preparing to land, pilots will often use a positive flaperon setting. As drag increases, the airplane will slow down. Pilots can reduce drag, on the other hand, by using a negative flaperon setting. Regardless, variable-position horizontal stabilizers can change the airplane’s pitch and flaperon setting.
How Many Variable-Position Horizontal Stabilizers Do Airplanes Have?
The number of variable-position horizontal stabilizers airplanes have varies. Some airplanes have two variable-position horizontal stabilizers. You can then on the left and right sides of the tail. Other airplanes, however, don’t have any variable-position horizontal stabilizers.
What About Vertical Stabilizers
Of course, there are vertical stabilizers as well. Vertical stabilizers are typically used for the same stabilization purposes as horizontal stabilizers. The difference lies in their orientation. Horizontal stabilizers are horizontally oriented on the airplane’s tail. Vertical stabilizers are vertically oriented on the airplane’s tail. Many airplanes feature both vertical and horizontal stabilizers, which you can find on the tail.
In Conclusion
Horizontal stabilizers come in different styles. Variable-positon horizontal stabilizers are characterized by their abilit to function as an elevator and flaperon. They can change the airplane’s pitch as well as the airplane’s flaperon setting.