Drag Horizontal Stabilizer Rudder 
Pilot Institute
JUNE 4, 2025
A tailless aircraft is a fixed-wing airplane without a horizontal stabilizing surface. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. A tailless aircraft may still have a fuselage and a vertical tail (fin and rudder). How does the tail do this?
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 11, 2025
They flew a total of 313 missions, collecting invaluable data on pitch stability, lift, drag, and buffeting in transonic and supersonic flight. The jet- and rocket-powered aircraft exceeded expectations, performing better than predicted in high-speed wind tunnel testsparticularly in drag performance above Mach 0.85.
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WayMan
MAY 25, 2025
Empennage: The Tail Assembly Located at the back of the aircraft, the empennage (or tail assembly ) includes the vertical stabilizer , horizontal stabilizer , rudder , and elevator. These parts help the aircraft maintain its stability in flight. Pilots learn to manage these systems as part of advanced training.
Flying Magazine
MAY 14, 2024
The most significant visual differences were the T-46’s high wing and the “H” tail, with twin vertical stabilizers mounted to the ends of the horizontal stabilizer that strongly resembled those of the company’s previous jet, the A-10 Thunderbolt II. As outlined in a U.S.
Pilot's Life Blog
MARCH 15, 2024
Below are other critical pieces of the wings that help give the plane additional lift, reduce drag, or achieve lower speeds in preparation for landing: Ailerons: A French word meaning “fin” or “little wing,” the aileron helps control the airplane’s roll. What are the basic parts of this section?
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 11, 2024
Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag. What’s induced drag? Induced drag is the resistance that happens as a result of creating lift, caused by swirling air around the wings that slows the airplane down. The higher drag on the raised wing reduces its speed relative to the lower wing.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 12, 2024
The turbulent air hits the horizontal stabilizer, which causes a vibration that can be felt throughout the aircraft. This requires rudder input to maintain directional control. While takeoff flaps improve performance, they also add unwanted drag. Buffeting is like flying in rough, choppy air.
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