T-tail joint assemblies for aircraft

Abstract

A T-tail joint assembly is described that is used to mechanically couple a left and right horizontal stabilizer to a vertical stabilizer. In one embodiment, the T-tail joint assembly comprises a plurality of lower rib chord members, each having a first base member, a first fin projecting from a first surface of the first base member, notches in the first fin proximate to ends of the first base member, and attachment members projecting from a second surface of the first base member that opposes the first surface. The T-tail joint assembly further comprises a plurality of upper rib chord member, each having a second base member, a second fin projecting from a surface of the second base member, and notches in the second fin proximate to ends of the second base member. The T-tail joint assembly further comprises a plurality of spar fittings disposed between the upper rib chord members and the lower rib chord members, wherein the spar fittings engage the notches in the first fin of the lower rib chord members and the notches in the second fin of the upper rib chord members, and a plurality of spar chords coupled to and separating pairs of the upper rib chord members and the lower rib chord members, wherein the plurality of spar chords is proximate to ends of the first base member and the second base member.