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All-moving tail (stabilator)

What is a stabilator (all-moving tail)? · Standard part · basis: Design rules and figures from the cited sources; example geometry by Xem Studio

Also called: stabilator, all moving tail, all-flying tail, flying stab, all moving stabilizer rc, antiservo tab, stabilator vs elevator, pivoting horizontal stabilizer, full flying tail glider

Exact dimensions. True size, with no printing tolerance added.

sizes
4 in table

Notes

  • A stabilator is a one-piece horizontal tail that pivots about a central hinge; it is very sensitive to control input (FAA PHAK ch.6).
  • An antiservo tab on its trailing edge moves in the same direction as the stabilator, increasing stick force to prevent over-control, and a balance weight is usually placed ahead of the main spar (PHAK ch.6).
  • RC sailplanes use the same idea: Drela's Bubble Dancer has a 'horizontal all moving tail' on a V-mount (CRRC).
  • Used on: Bubble Dancer (RC sailplane).
  • The file is a reference example built by Xem Studio from the numbers above. Sizes the sources do not fix are illustrative; scale the example to your own vehicle.

All-moving tail size chart

parametervalue or rangesource
Antiservo tab directionsame direction as stabilatorFAA PHAK ch.6
Mass balanceweight ahead of main sparFAA PHAK ch.6
Bubble Dancer tail airfoilht21 (horizontal and vertical)CRRC
Reference buildSh 40,000 mm^2 pivoting surfacecomputed

Where the files are

Other publishers' files are linked, not hosted. "verify" = check the license at the link before commercial use.

FAAPilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Ch. 6 Flight ControlswebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
Charles River Radio Controllers (M. Drela designs)Bubble Dancer 3m RES sailplanewebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts

Free files

★ Free files 1 parts. Xem Studio design: free to use, print and sell things from; not to be republished as files. Xem Studio Design License. index.json

all-moving-stabilator-tailall moving layout: horizontal span 400 × chord 100, vertical 140 × 114 mm on a 500 mm boom, NACA 0009 surfacesSTEP · STL
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Plain text: sheet.txt · JSON: /api/geometry?object=all-moving-stabilator

All-moving tail (stabilator), isometric render of a generated part
Render of all-moving-stabilator-tail from the free STEP; not to scale.

Fits with

Tail volume coefficient (horizontal and vertical tail sizing), isometric render of a generated part
Tail volume coefficient (horizontal and vertical tail sizing)19 sizes★ 1 file
Tail moment arm (tail lever arm ratios), isometric render of a generated part
Tail moment arm (tail lever arm ratios)11 sizes★ 1 file
Conventional tail (low-mounted stabiliser and single fin), isometric render of a generated part
Conventional tail (low-mounted stabiliser and single fin)5 sizes★ 1 file
T-tail (stabiliser on top of the fin), isometric render of a generated part
T-tail (stabiliser on top of the fin)4 sizes★ 1 file
Cruciform tail (stabiliser part-way up the fin), isometric render of a generated part
Cruciform tail (stabiliser part-way up the fin)2 sizes★ 1 file
V-tail (butterfly tail with ruddervators), isometric render of a generated part
V-tail (butterfly tail with ruddervators)8 sizes★ 1 file

Questions

Why do stabilators need an antiservo tab?

They are so sensitive that the tab adds feel force to prevent over-controlling (FAA PHAK ch.6).