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| − | [[File:Control surface tweakables.jpg|thumb|adjusting the reaction to the different axes]]
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| − | A '''control surface''' is an aerodynamic part that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding [[atmosphere]]. Control surfaces provide greater control and stability to [[rocket]]s and [[plane|aircraft]], though they are of no use outside of an atmosphere.
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| − | Each of the control surfaces has [[tweakable]]s to enable or disable each control [[axis]]. Disabling undesired axes can prevent the craft from over-reacting to control inputs. These can be done in the [[SPH]] or [[VAB]], and even after [[launch]] (except State).
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| − | To provide a good level of control in a given axis, they should be placed far away from the center of mass in the appropriate direction:
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| − | *'''''[[Pitch]]''''' (elevators): lifts and lowers the nose of the craft around the pitch axis, running from left to right through the center of mass. Typically placed on the horizontal tail fins.
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| − | *'''''[[Yaw]]''''' (rudders): turns the craft left and right around the yaw axis, running up and down through the center of mass. Typically placed on the vertical tail fin(s).
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| − | *'''''[[Roll]]''''' (ailerons): rolls the craft around the longitudinal axis, running from nose to tail through the center of mass. Typically placed at the end of the wings.
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| − | The '''''Active/Inactive''''' label by the axis indicates whether the control surface responds to input in the given axis.
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| − | *'''''State''''': The default state of the control surface - '''''Normal/Deployed'''''
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| − | *'''''Deploy''''': The direction of the extension - '''''Normal/Inverted'''''
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| − | The control surfaces can be also controlled by [[action group]]s:
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| − | *'''''Toggle'''''
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| − | *'''''Extend'''''
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| − | *'''''Retract'''''
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| − | This retraction represents extending flaps, which increases lift and drag, thus reducing stall speed. This is useful for reducing speed and altitude while maintaining a level attitude for a landing approach. It may be a good idea to start with flaps deployed and bind toggling them to the "gears" action group.
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| − | {{clear}}
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| − | == Table of Control Surfaces ==
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| − | {{Stats Table Control Surfaces}}
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| − | == See also ==
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| − | * [[Reaction wheel]]s
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| − | * [[Reaction Control System|RCS thrusters]]
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| − | [[Category:Control surfaces| ]]
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| − | [[Category:Parts]]
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