Question

Why does an FBW system use a smaller tail area?

(a) Bigger tails are harder to move as they produce larger wing loads

(b) Actively controls the tail thus making up for the reduced stability due to lesser area

(c) Tail does not contribute much to stability and its area can thus be reduced effectively

(d) To reduce weight and drag but at a cost of natural stability

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

I'd like to ask this question from Fly-By-Wire Technology in chapter Fly by Wire Flight Control of Avionics

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) To reduce weight and drag but at a cost of natural stability

For explanation I would say: The reason for using reduced tail area is to reduce weight, drag and to increase overall performance, But at a cost of reduced natural stability. A FBW makes up for the reduced stability by actively controlling the tailplane and rudder using accurate motion feedback sensors and actuators.