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Thread: Tailplane lift
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Old 11th May 2012, 03:15
  #11 (permalink)  
Dan Winterland
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Fragrant Harbour
Posts: 4,787
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It's true to say that for a conventionally controlled aircraft (i.e. not FBW) the tailplane should generate proportionally less lift than the wing to maintain positive longitudinal stability. This can be acheived by a different aerofoil section, lower angle of attack or both. Often, the tailplane is designed to produce a downforce which makes for a very stable design.
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