Does the Horizontal Fin really do anything

[lperagallo]

Does the Horizontal Fin really do anything? I've had a problem keeping mine secure and I'm considering taking it off. I've added some weight on the fin for balance and I think the combination of the weights and vibration break the bolts.

I am thinking of just mounting the weights where the fin sits on some foam tape with tie wraps to secure it.

[MarkWebber]

Most of the 3D guys seem to be removing it. I broke the one on my raptor but I'm not good enough to notice any difference.

[Brady Longmore]

I can't imagine it coming into play all that much unless you are flying very fast forward speeds. I really don't know. Would love to get some expert input on that one.

[Malorie]

Yes the horizontal fin does come into play in FFF. It is used to aerodynamicly balance or trim the heli for FFF. That being said, unless you are the type to pick at nits (say for flying FAI stuff), the effects are negligable.
Malorie

[lperagallo]

Thanks Malorie. I didn't think it could have too much effect since it doesn't really have much surface area to it, but I thought I'd check. I'm not into much FFF and my flying abilities are no where near FAI so I guess I've got nothing to worry about. I did however, come up with a much better arrangement for the weights I mounted on the tail. I've attached the weight to the vertical tail fin with a nut and bolt and tie wrap. I've also put the horizontal fin back on once again. Hopefully, it will stay without the weight mounted there :)

[rbort]

Most people who take it off do so as it acts as a canard in backwards flight and makes the heli pitch this way or that. The ones I have on my machine are really decorative as they are a) really small and b) carved up so there isn't much surface area there anyways.

-=>Raja.