The F-18 HARV has five pairs of aerodynamic control surfaces. The twin vertical stabilizers, with trailing-edge rudders, are canted outboard at approximately 20 degrees from the vertical.
Directional control is provided by symmetric rudder deflection.
Symmetric aileron droop and rudder toe-in are employed in the power approach configuration. A speed brake is located on the upper aft fuselage, between the vertical stabilizers. The maximum surface position and rate limits are presented below. In turn, these systems provide a high degree of maneuvering capability by the coordinated utilization of the aerodynamic surfaces and thrust vectoring vanes.