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WindSheer
5th Jul 2008, 20:29
Could somebody kindly explain the requirement for the large 'winglets' on the airbus beluga tailplane??
I assume its due to the increased fuselage size but would anybody care to explain?

I am not TR'ing on them, just intrigued.:ok:

Spanner Turner
6th Jul 2008, 03:53
Think you'll find that the effectiveness of the vertical stabiliser is reduced because of the 'shielding' effect the larger fuselage has, i.e airflow is reduced across the lower (widest chord) area of the vert stab and this in turn decreases longitudinal stability. This reduced area of effectivity is compensated for by the addition of the 'winglets/fences' on the tips of the horizontal stab.

You'll see similar devices on the NASA 747 that carries the Space Shuttle.

:ok:

werbil
6th Jul 2008, 11:21
Also quite common on float planes where the added large vertical surfaces ahead of the C of G make the aircraft less directionally stable.