A343 & A345 Rudder

[Check Airman]

Got a quick question for A340 pilots. I've noticed that the rudder on the 500/600 has a "notch" missing right at the base. This is not so on the 200/300. Does anybody know why?

Photos: Airbus A340-541 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Emirates/Airbus-A340-541/0664849/M/)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/4/8/0664849.jpg




Photos: Airbus A340-313X Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Air-Mauritius/Airbus-A340-313X/1418799/M/)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/9/7/1418799.jpg

[Reimers]

The vertical fin looks on the -500/-600 similar, but it is an entirely different part compared to the -300. The geometry might be such that the elevator fully deflected up might hit the rudder, which had to be increased in size to gain enough authority in case one of the stronger enginges fail.

[Check Airman]

Thanks Reimers.