What is the Difference Between a Stabilator and an Elevator?

Effective control of the upward and downward movement of an aircraft's nose is one of the important pieces of achieving stable, responsive flight. Two primary tail-mounted control surfaces may be present on an aircraft to influence pitch: the elevator and the stabilator. As they operate through different mechanisms and are used in different types of planes, this article will make the distinctions between stabilators and elevators clear, covering their respective designs and performance characteristics.

What Is an Elevator?

An elevator is hinged to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer, which is a fixed aerodynamic surface mounted on the tail. The fixed stabilizer provides inherent longitudinal stability, while the elevator delivers controlled pitch changes by deflecting up and down. If the elevator is deflected upward, it increases downward aerodynamic force on the tail so the aircraft’s nose will rise. When moved downward, the tail produces less downward force, causing the nose to lower.

Although this configuration is widely adopted across airframes, they do not perform exceptionally well at transonic or supersonic speeds. Such aerodynamic loads can diminish elevator authority, potentially requiring trim adjustments or other compensating systems. Moreover, the two surfaces can generate slight aerodynamic drag.

What Is a Stabilator?

A stabilator is a surface that combines the functions of both the elevator and the horizontal stabilizer, pivoting as one unit. Also referred to as an “all-moving tail” or “all-flying tail,” this design can deliver smoother responses and greater control authority, particularly at higher speeds where elevators may lose efficiency. More specifically, stabilators can help counteract Mach tuck, a nose-down tendency caused by shock wave movement over the wing.

However, because the entire surface moves, stabilators can produce more abrupt pitch changes, increasing the risk of over-controlling if not managed carefully. Additionally, an all-moving tail does not present the same passive longitudinal stability as a fixed stabilizer, requiring careful aerodynamic balancing and control system design.

Antiservo Tabs and Trim Tabs

To prevent pilots from over-controlling the aircraft and contribute to smoother and safer operation, stabilators are equipped with additional mechanisms, such as the:

Antiservo Tab: Typically mounted along the full or near-full span of the stabilator’s trailing edge, the antiservo tab moves in the same direction as the stabilator to provide aerodynamic resistance against pilot inputs. This resistance helps prevent over-controlling, improves pitch stability, and assists in maintaining the intended attitude.
Trim Tab: The trim tab is generally located toward one side of the stabilator’s trailing edge, most often on the right-hand side when viewed from the rear of the aircraft, to avoid interference with the antiservo tab. Operated via cockpit controls, it adjusts the neutral position of the stabilator to maintain balanced control forces and reduce pilot workload.

The Main Differences between Stabilators and Elevators

	Elevator	Stabilator
Structure	Connected to horizontal stabilizer but moves separately	Entire horizontal surface on the tail moves
Control Sensitivity	Offers gradual pitch changes, less responsive at high speeds	Highly responsive across speed ranges, retaining control at transonic and supersonic speeds
Mechanical Complexity	Simpler, with conventional hinge and linkage systems	More complex pivot and balancing mechanisms required for entire surface movement
Standard Use Cases	General aviation, commercial airliners, and most conventional aircraft designs	Military jets, supersonic aircraft, and aircraft with delta wing configurations

Find Comprehensive Pitch Control Surface Solutions on AOG Unlimited

From the steady, predictable handling offered by a traditional elevator to the high-speed precision of a stabilator, understanding how these two pitch control surfaces differ gives operators, maintainers, and enthusiasts a clearer perspective on how aircraft achieve stable flight. More importantly, this knowledge reinforces the need to choose control surfaces that meet stringent specifications for responsive control in every phase of operation.

When it comes to sourcing these critical components, AOG Unlimited offers an unmatched advantage. As an ASAP Semiconductor website, we boast an extensive inventory of FAA-approved aircraft parts, covering everything from OEM to PMA options so you can find exactly what you require. With top-notch products, competitive procurement options, worldwide shipping, and exceptional customer service, do not hesitate to check out AOG Unlimited today.

Share