Question: The control rod for the rudder on my Mig 21 connects to a vertical torque rod that activates the rudder. All of this is internal within the aft end of the fuselage. Given that the rudder hinge line is swept back, how can I have this work properly?

Answer: The Mig21 has undergone several upgrades since the Mark I production lot was released in mid 2005. The rudder connection has since been changed to an external connecting rod and horn system.

For Mark I models with the internal rudder control rod system, there are two simply approaches to having this work better.

1) Leave the control rod system internal to the fuselage but change to a ball link on the arm that is connected to the torque rod. Leave the end of the control rod itself free to move laterally side to side but use a ball link to accomodate the difference in angle caused by the rotation of the swept rudder.

2) Change the control rod for the rudder to be external and connect to a traditional external rudder control horn. The further addition of a ball link on the horn itself may make for a smoother movement.