My young sons are very enthusiastic about helicopters and I am repeatedly asked to name parts of their model aircraft. I would like to do so correctly, but my research has not always given definitive answers. I hope you can help.
Fixed to the tail boom and close to the tail rotor, some helicopters have a pair of horizontal fins. My research suggests these could be referred to as elevators, horizontal stabilisers, or horizontal fins. Is there one correct term, or does it depend on how they are used? Why do some helicopters not have them?
Most (all?) helicopters have a vertical fin connected to the tail boom. I have seen this labelled as a rudder or vertical fin. Does this depend on its function (moveable or fixed?) or can you suggest a better name?