RAe Comet 'Canopus' tour of USA with Hawk T.1 and T-45 Goshawk
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please can I ask why the Comet shown in this thread has a comparatively small vertical stabilizer and large horizontal stabilizers with lots of dihedral compared to other aircraft of the time, say the B707 which has a much larger vertical stabilizer. Obviously the tail set up on the Comet worked together to provide the aerodynamics required, is anyone able to explain in lay man's terminology, why or how this was so?.
Thanks in anticipation.
Thanks in anticipation.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Wilds of Warwickshire
Posts: 229
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stabiliser
Suspect that the Fin can be smaller because the engines are located much closer to the centerline. There is no comparison between the location of the Comet’s engines and the outboards on a 707 / DC8.

Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Shrewsbury
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was the junior officer Hawk pilot (by a country mile) on this magnificent trip. I have several happy memories of flying in US Naval aircraft, & meeting lots of highly professional & friendly Americans.
My favourite memory: Gp Capt Tim Webb introduced me to our American friends as, ‘general factotum’. The only laugh he got was from me when, later, one of our hosts addressed me as General.
Photos of Canopus to follow, apologies for the poor quality.
My favourite memory: Gp Capt Tim Webb introduced me to our American friends as, ‘general factotum’. The only laugh he got was from me when, later, one of our hosts addressed me as General.
Photos of Canopus to follow, apologies for the poor quality.