Definition
An empennage configuration in which the conventional vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer are replaced by two surfaces set in a V-shape, angled upward and outward from the rear of the fuselage. The movable control surfaces on these two stabilizers, called ruddervators, combine the functions of elevators and rudder: when both move together they act as elevators (pitch control), and when they move differentially they act as a rudder (yaw control).
Plain English
A tail design that uses two slanted surfaces in a V-shape instead of the usual upright fin and flat horizontal tail. The control surfaces on the V do the job of both the elevator and the rudder.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft design descriptions, preflight inspections, and discussions of control surfaces on aircraft such as the Beechcraft Bonanza V-tail models.
Derivation
Named for its visual shape: the two stabilizers form the letter V when viewed from behind or in front of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces drag and structural weight while still providing full directional and pitch control.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a V-tail as only a normal tail that happens to look different. The shape also changes how the tail controls are arranged: the two slanted surfaces share the jobs normally split between the elevator and rudder.
Example Sentence 1
The V-tail Bonanza is easy to recognize on the ramp because of its distinctive two-surface tail.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance on the V-Tail requires checking both angled surfaces for proper travel and balance.