tail control surfaces -Firebird
 

I have a Firebird model with tail control surfaces only. I am perplexed by the action of the surfaces on the v-tail.
When I move the stick to the right I would expect the right surface to raise and cause a bank to the right. the reverse action seems to be taking place and when I checked the manual that was also indicated as correct.
Wouldn't the raised surface bank the plane to the right when the stick was tilted right? Shouldn't the drag on the upper surface of the control surface create a bank in that direction?
Icarus

tail control surfaces -Firebird
 

The action you describe is correct. The tail surfaces on the firebird do not bank the wing directly. They act as a rudder to yaw the airplane in the direction of turn. This yaw causes the airplane to slip in the direction of turn and the dihedral (“V” angle of the wings) causes the airplane to bank in the direction of the turn, which turns the airplane. For a more complete explanation see my post in the “Aerodynamics & Design” forum dated June 3,2003.

tail control surfaces -Firebird
 

Thanks. Makes perfect sense now that I think about it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]