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I've noticed that the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey has a twin vertical stabilizer, while the AugustaWestland AW609 has a T-Tail.

Bell Boeing V-22 Raptor. Credit: Boeing
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey with twin stabilizers. Credit: Boeing

AW609. Credit: Airliners.net AW 609 (T-Tail) Credit: Airliners.net

I understand why it was used for fast jet fighters, but why was it used for the V-22? What are the advantages?

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The V-22 was designed to be operated by the US Marine Corps on-board US aircraft carriers. Any airplane that operates off of a carrier has to be relatively compact in order to be able to fit onto the carrier's elevators and short enough to fit into the hangar deck. A twin tail spreads the elevator authority over 2 smaller control surfaces instead of 1 big surface, making the aircraft shorter, and the placement at the ends of the elevator reduces its overall size footprint.

The other benefits of a twin tail are a reduced radar cross section (the V-22 needs all the help it can get there) and increased redundancy as if one tail is damaged there is another one available. The wide placement of the stabilizers reduces the chance that enemy fire will take out both at once.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the answer, but is there a difference in terms of aerodynamics (other than being able to use one tail if the other is damaged)? $\endgroup$
    – SharkyPanda
    Jun 7, 2017 at 11:02
  • $\begingroup$ I'm not sure I understand your question @SharkyPanda. $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Jun 7, 2017 at 12:32
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    $\begingroup$ @SharkyPanda: Look here for an answer. $\endgroup$
    – Peter Kämpf
    Jun 7, 2017 at 20:14

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