In aircraft design, the vertical stabilizer primarily generates lift in the sideways direction, which helps maintain the aircraft’s lateral stability and counteract side-to-side yawing motion. This lift is often referred to as “side force.”The formula for calculating the side force (lift) generated by the vertical stabilizer can be expressed as:
- Side Force (Lateral Lift) is the force generated by the vertical stabilizer in the sideways direction, measured in Newtons (N).
- Cl is the lift coefficient for the vertical stabilizer, a dimensionless quantity.
- ρ is the air density, measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
- V is the velocity of the aircraft, measured in meters per second (m/s).
- Sv is the reference area of the vertical stabilizer, measured in square meters (m²).