What term describes a pair of tail control surfaces arranged in the form of a V that function as elevators when moved together and as a rudder when moved differentially?

• A. Rudder
• B. Ruddervator
• C. Elevator
• D. Aileron

Answer: (B)

This describes V-tail control surfaces. In a V-tail, a pair of surfaces forms a V at the tail. When both surfaces move in the same direction, they create a pitching moment that acts like an elevator, lifting or lowering the nose. When the surfaces move in opposite directions, they generate a yawing moment that acts like a rudder, producing left or right yaw. The combination of these two functions in a single pair of surfaces is known as ruddervators. That name reflects their blended role as both rudder and elevator. The other options refer to individual surfaces: a rudder alone controls yaw on the vertical tail, an elevator alone controls pitch on the horizontal stabilizer, and an aileron controls roll on the wings.