Simviation Forums

is this plane???......don't recognize...... huge vertical stab...........

It is a Panavia Tornado.

Anthin.

The large Fin and Rudder on the Tornado ADV is good for added stability and control when flying on one engine due to failure or battle damage etc. I have always liked the airplane and it did a good job during the Gulf War.

Known to some in the RAF as a Tonka, and they are still in service today.

Den.

thanks mucho.....think i'll go and pick one up

Remembering high school science, the tail is large because it is close to center of the yaw axis. Think of it like a see-saw: the closer to the pivot point the more weight you need to balance weight that is farther away. Notice, for example, the much larger tail on the not-very successful B-747ER (extended range) with a shortened fuselage compared with the "standard" B-747.

It does make for an interesting look.