stabilator

A stabilator is a type of aircraft control surface that combines the functions of an elevator and a horizontal stabilizer. It is a single, movable surface attached to the tail of an aircraft that controls pitch, which is the upward or downward movement of the aircraft's nose. Unlike traditional designs where the elevator is a separate component attached to the horizontal stabilizer, the stabilator moves as one unit.1

This design allows for more precise control over the aircraft's pitch. The stabilator is actuated by the pilot's control column, with forward movement lowering the stabilator to depress the nose and backward pressure raising it to lift the nose. This component is crucial for maintaining stability and controlling the aircraft's attitude during flight.12