Where do V-tails fit into the cost/ complexity formula?
A “V” tail would be the same as one horizontal plus one vertical. It is still two separate surfaces that need to be manufactured. The area of a horizontal is usually greater than a vertical which is the reason for the greater “cost” in the formula. The additional rigging complexities of the “V” tail justify it having the same cost as a conventional horizontal plus vertical tail. • Question: How is a flying wing with a single vertical still considered in the empenage cost formula” Answer: It would be “charged” with a basic empenage cost, and a vertical tail surface cost. There would be no cost for a horizontal, since it doesn’t have one.
