Vertical Tail Efficiency (ηv) assesses how efficiently the vertical tail (fin) contributes to an aircraft’s stability and control. It’s a dimensionless aerodynamic parameter, calculated as the ratio of dynamic pressure at the vertical tail to that at the wing. Higher ηv values signify a more effective vertical tail, enhancing both aerodynamic performance and stability, particularly in influencing yawing motion around the aircraft’s vertical axis. This increased vertical tail efficiency factor contributes to higher yawing moment coefficients, thereby strengthening the tail’s effectiveness in stabilizing and controlling aircraft yawing motion. The formula to calculate Vertical Tail Efficiency as follows:
Where:
- Cn is the Yawing moment coefficient,