On Tue, 26 Oct 2004 11:46:18 +0200, Marian Aldenhövel
wrote:


I have noticed that most if not all modern gliders are built with a
T-Tail (not sure about the term, I am talking about the elevator being
located at the top of the tailfin). While most power-aircraft I know
right up to the airliners have it at the bottom.

What are the aerodynamic or constructive reasons for that?

A T-Tail has significantly less interference drag
(Interferenzwiderstand) than a conventional one. Since its weight is
located on top of the vertical stabilizer (Seitenflosse), fuselage
structure needs to be stronger, but the additional weight is
acceptable for a glider that needs to have as little drag as possible.


Bye
Andreas