Aircraft and systems
Vertical stabilizer
At a glance
Meaning of Vertical stabilizer
The vertical tail surface contributing to directional stability.
More about Vertical stabilizer
The vertical stabiliser helps the aircraft maintain directional stability. A movable rudder is usually fitted to its trailing edge to control yaw.
The fixed stabiliser and movable rudder are distinct components. The horizontal stabiliser has a different role, associated primarily with longitudinal stability and pitch.