In aerodynamics, vertical and horizontal fins that prevent
erratic rolling (see roll) and pitching (pitch),
respectively. Stabilizers are usually placed together in the form of a tailplane.
Like the wings, the horizontal fins have an airfoil
shape and can provide lift at take-off. In
flight, however, they act only as stabilizers and in some designs the air
thrust on them acts downward. In marine engineering,
fins or tanks are used to keep a submarine or ship steady in rough seas.
|Aircraft stabilizers and other tailplane