RA-5C Vigilante (7)
Stability required a tailfin with a large surface area. The first mock-up built of the Vigilante had twin vertical tailfins. Those are pretty common on military jets nowadays, but in the 'fifties were a bit too radical, leading to the adoption of an enormous single fin. In order for it to fit in the hangar decks of aircraft carriers, on the real jet the fin could fold down.
RA-5C Vigilante (7)
Stability required a tailfin with a large surface area. The first mock-up built of the Vigilante had twin vertical tailfins. Those are pretty common on military jets nowadays, but in the 'fifties were a bit too radical, leading to the adoption of an enormous single fin. In order for it to fit in the hangar decks of aircraft carriers, on the real jet the fin could fold down.