Astro, In the video below it shows a pair of F-18's taking off in a very heavy crosswind. At 0:50 to 0:55 seconds into the video the F-18 on the left manipulates all of the control surfaces before applying full power and afterburner, starting his takeoff roll.
If you look at both vertical stabilizers, the rudder control surfaces are both pitched inward against each other. Instead of both operating together in a typical left or right fashion. What is the purpose of this? The F-18 on the right does much the same thing on it's takeoff roll. You can see some movement of the rudder control surfaces during and after rotation. But why are they set to "fight" each other, and nullify the others input, instead of simply remaining straight and in alignment with the vertical stabilizer when the rudder is in the neutral position, like most aircraft? Thanks in advance.
If you look at both vertical stabilizers, the rudder control surfaces are both pitched inward against each other. Instead of both operating together in a typical left or right fashion. What is the purpose of this? The F-18 on the right does much the same thing on it's takeoff roll. You can see some movement of the rudder control surfaces during and after rotation. But why are they set to "fight" each other, and nullify the others input, instead of simply remaining straight and in alignment with the vertical stabilizer when the rudder is in the neutral position, like most aircraft? Thanks in advance.