In aircraft design, the horizontal stabilizer primarily generates lift in the downward direction, which is opposite to the wing’s lift. This downward lift helps to counteract the aircraft’s nose-up pitching moment and maintain longitudinal stability. The lift generated by the horizontal stabilizer is typically referred to as “negative lift” or “downforce.
“The formula for calculating the lift (negative lift) generated by the horizontal stabilizer can be expressed as:Lift (downforce) =
- Lift (downforce) is the force generated by the horizontal stabilizer in the downward direction, measured in Newtons (N).
- Cl is the lift coefficient for the horizontal 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).
- Sh is the reference area of the horizontal stabilizer, measured in square meters (m²).