Re: [RCSE] New differential question

[RCBrustEE]

In a message dated 10/9/2003 9:53:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I see the V-tail vs X-tail choice as mainly a structural, mechanical, and construction issue.  The aero differences are puny by comparison. Mark,   This brings up a question that I've often wondered about.  When yawing with a v-tail, the forces induced by each ruddervator can be broken down into their respective horizontal and vertical components.  The horizontal components for the ruddervators are in the same direction and add to produce the total yaw force.  The vertical components are in opposite directions (one up, one down) and ideally cancel each other.  This produces no net effect on pitch, but don't the undesired vertical components produce extra drag?  It seems that for this reason a single vertical rudder would be more efficient.  Thanks for the help.   Randy