V-tail
Angled twin fins
A V-tail is an aircraft tail configuration where two angled surfaces replace the conventional horizontal and vertical stabilizers, forming a V shape when viewed from behind.
The design reduces drag and weight but requires more complex control mixing—each surface must handle both pitch and yaw.
The Beechcraft Bonanza is the most famous V-tail aircraft: pilots call it the "fork-tailed doctor killer".
Rear aircraft pitch surface
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- control surfacesMovable parts directing aircraft
- diagonalSlanting line or path
- vertical stabilizerAircraft's directional control surface
Mechanism for vertical transport
Rotorcraft with unpowered rotor
- homebuiltConstructed by owner
- general aviationNon-scheduled civilian flight sector
- private planeIndividually owned aircraft
- gliderUnpowered flying craft
motorglider · ultralight · experimental aircraft · military drone · stealth aircraft · unmanned aerial vehicle
tailplane
Rear aircraft pitch surface
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- control surfacesMovable parts directing aircraft
- diagonalSlanting line or path
lift
Mechanism for vertical transport
gyrocopter
Rotorcraft with unpowered rotor
- homebuiltConstructed by owner
- general aviationNon-scheduled civilian flight sector
- private planeIndividually owned aircraft
glider · motorglider · ultralight · experimental aircraft · military drone · stealth aircraft · unmanned aerial vehicle