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What would happen if I used a hoop tail instead of a normal winged tail? Would the results still be the same? Or would my plane glide better?
In terms of model planes and homebuilt planes, a hoop tail most likely would not make a difference. The smaller size and speed of a model plane would make the difference irrelevant.
A hooped tail (such as the XV-11 Marvel) can be used to create a shroud around a propeller. This helps improve the thrust generated by a propeller. The shroud can be used as a control surface instead of the rudder and elevator of a normal airplane. However, if a hoop-shaped tail were used to replace an ordinary tail, it would reduce the efficiency of the aircraft. The increased surface area of the tail would create more friction drag. It would also increase the weight of the aircraft, and not all of the surface area of the tail would provide control to the aircraft.
