The V-tail of a Belgian Air Force Fouga Magister

In aircraft, a V-tail (sometimes called a "butterfly tail") is an unconventional arrangement of the tail control surfaces that replaces the traditional fin and horizontal surfaces with two surfaces set in a V-shaped configuration when viewed from the front or rear of the aircraft. The rear of each surface is hinged, and these movable sections (sometimes called "ruddervators") combine the tasks of the elevators and rudder.

Pros

With fewer surfaces than a conventional tail, the V-tail is lighter and produces less drag. The air flowing over the tail surfaces is also likely to be less turbulent. A V-tail tends to reflect radar at an angle that reduces the return signal, making the aircraft harder to detect. This is an advantage for military aircraft.

Cons

Combining the pitch and yaw controls is difficult and requires a more complex control system. This arrangement also places greater stress on the rear fuselage when pitching and yawing. In the mid-1980s, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the V-tail Bonanza, saying that while it met all requirments upon its initial certification, authorites were concerned about its tendency to break up under the stresses of flight, almost always killing those aboard. The government agreed to let the plane fly again after Beech engineered modifications.

The V-tail has not been a popular choice for aircraft manufacturers. One of the most distinctive examples is the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. The most popular V-tailed aircraft in mass production was the Beechcraft Bonanza model 35, often referred to as the V-tail Bonanza or simply V-Tail. Other examples include the Fouga Magister and Northrup YF-23 Black Widow II (the unsuccessful competitor to the F-22 Raptor).