"Mark James Boyd" wrote in message
news:3fbc8231$1@darkstar...
As far as V-tails go, anything to reduce wetted area
is good, right? ;-P

I was under the impression that V tails don't reduce wetted area......
There is a number called tail volume coefficient. Distribution
of this area in a V ot T planform results in the same wetted area.
You might make the case that the V tails are of a higher aspect ratio
and "better" but you also have to account for crosswind performance.
The max crosswind you can land in is determined by rudder effectiveness.
(I'll skip the wing low attitude/long wing problem) A V tail reduces up
elevator authority as the crosswind component grows. So it appears that
a V tail gliders minimum approach speed go's up as a function of the
crosswind. There may be insufficient "elevator" area or pitch authority
to flare as opposed to straight line flight where both elevons/elevators
will be moving "up".

Scott