Performance of Forward-Swept and Backward-Swept Stabilizers in a V-tail Configuration

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-2458.vid In a V-tail configuration, the number of tail surfaces is reduced compared to the conventional configuration of horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Such configuration could benefit from lower weight and reduced drag if the overall wetted area is not required to increase to retain the same control and stability. Recent studies have considered forward-swept horizontal stabilizers for improving their achievable lift-curve slope through aeroelastic effects, with the aim of reducing the size and weight of the stabilizers without a loss of performance. Considering these potentially complementary attributes, this work explores combining these design concepts for improving the overall tail efficiency. A modular wind tunnel model is constructed and tested in a conventional empennage, a forward-swept V-tail and a backward-swept V-tail configuration to experimentally demonstrate the performance achieved. For this particular investigation, attention will be given to the lateral stability and control authority of the studied configurations.