Bi-directional flight control surface utilizing a split-track mechanism

A bi-directional rudder mechanism, comprising:

• a fixed structure having leading and trailing edges,
• a rudder having leading and trailing edges,
• wherein the rudder is mounted relative to the fixed structure such that part of the trailing edge of the fixed structure is adjacent the leading edge of the rudder, the rudder being movable from a neutral position, in which the rudder lies in line with the fixed structure to define a notional centreline, to a first angled position in which the rudder is angled relative to the fixed structure at a non-zero angle on one side of the notional centreline or to a second angle position in which the rudder is angled relative to the fixed structure at a non-zero angle on the other side of a notional centreline and an actuator is provided to translate the rudder relative to the fixed structure so as to vary the distance between the part of the trailing edge of the fixed structure and the leading edge of the rudder,
• wherein the rudder is mounted on a track so as to be movable relative to the fixed structure, and
• wherein the track comprises a main portion, along the notional centreline, which diverges into two branches.