The vertical stabilizer

The vertical stabilizer ensures the stability and the direction of Buran in flight and includes the drift, the rudder and the bonnet cover. The drift includes the central girders, strengthening pieces and protective panels. In its upper part take place the electromechanical unit and the transmission antenna protected by a radiotransparante plate. The rudder can work either of rudder, or in air-brake during of the descent of the shuttle to reduce its speed, this is possible because it is composed of 2 leaves. The aperture of each leaf can reach 23° in direction mode and 43.5° in air-brake mode.

Animated sights of the drift (model 2.01)

Rudder in direction mode (aperture until 23°)	Rudder in air-brake mode (aperture combined until 43.5°)	Example of work in mixed mode.

Detailed schematic of the drift	Section of the drift in the strengthening piece plan
	Caption: 1-Right actuator; 2-Left actuator; 3-Reducer-multiplier; 4-Fixing support of the left leaf of the rudder on the reducer; 5-Fixing support of the right leaf of the rudder on the reducer;

Blueprints of the drift:

Drift blueprint 1

Hang points of the leafs

Drift fixing to the fuselage