One of my favorite topics is the “containerplane” concept, a quick-folding or otherwise stowable design that could be easily hangared in a 20’ ISO shipping container. One issue when you get up to two-seaters is getting enough tail volume within the limited interior length and container door size without having to connect/disconnect or fold any of the tail surfaces. Here are those dimensions again:
20’ ISO Container
So, despite the pros and cons of twin tails (see Thinking about a twin-tail design... and other threads) I am thinking about doubling down to get the most tail volume in constrained dimensions. So how about a biplane horizontal tail?
Light, rigid, strong, could have an elevator on one surface or both, could have a single rudder or two. Obviously we’re talking about a low-speed LSA/microlight type where weight is the enemy and drag is a secondary concern. I can’t think of an easier way to maximize the effectiveness of a tail no more than about 2.0 m wide and about 1.5 m high. Thoughts? I’ve got my fireproof undies on! ;-)
20’ ISO Container
| Interior dimensions | Length | 19 ft 3 in (5.867 m) |
| Width | 7 ft 8 19⁄32 in (2.352 m) | |
| Height | 7 ft 9 57⁄64 in (2.385 m) | |
| Width | 7 ft 8 19⁄32 in (2.352 m) | |
| Height | 7 ft 9 57⁄64 in (2.385 m) | |
| Door aperture | Width | 7 ft 8 1⁄8 in (2.340 m) |
| Height | 7 ft 5 3⁄4 in (2.280 m) |
So, despite the pros and cons of twin tails (see Thinking about a twin-tail design... and other threads) I am thinking about doubling down to get the most tail volume in constrained dimensions. So how about a biplane horizontal tail?
Light, rigid, strong, could have an elevator on one surface or both, could have a single rudder or two. Obviously we’re talking about a low-speed LSA/microlight type where weight is the enemy and drag is a secondary concern. I can’t think of an easier way to maximize the effectiveness of a tail no more than about 2.0 m wide and about 1.5 m high. Thoughts? I’ve got my fireproof undies on! ;-)
