The Preliminary Design Analysis of a Unique Semi-Tailless Aircraft Configuration

The feasibility of a unique semi-tailless aircraft configuration that utilizes a split empennage, mounted outboard and aft of the main wing trailing edge (“scissor-tail”) is examined. A description of the combined analytical/empirical model of the tip vortex flow field as a function of the geometry to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of empennage is included. An evaluation of the performance and stability and control of the “scissor-tail” is performed to determine the applicability of the configuration to a general-aviation aircraft. Results show good agreement between the analytic/empirical model and available performance data. Results also indicate that the configuration is controllable, stable and a good candidate for a general-aviation aircraft.