V-tail

In aircraft, a V-tail (sometimes called a "butterfly tail") is an unconventional arrangement of the tail control surfaces that replaces the traditional fin and horizontal surfaces with two surfaces set in a V-shaped configuration when viewed from the front or rear of the aircraft. The rear of each surface is hinged, and these movable sections (sometimes called "ruddervators") combine the tasks of the elevators and rudder.

Pros

With fewer surfaces than a conventional tail, the V-tail is lighter and produces less drag. The air flowing over the tail surfaces is also likely to be less turbulent.

Cons

Combining the pitch and yaw controls is difficult and requires a more complex control system. This arrangement also places greater stress on the rear fuselage when pitching and yawing.

The V-tail has not been a popular choice for aircraft manufacturers. The most famous examples in mass production were the Beech Bonanza (sometimes just called a V-tail) and the Fouga Magister. The YF-23 Black Widow II (the unsuccessful competitor to the F-22 Raptor) also had this arrangement.