I have wandered from time to time; What is the definition of “Squash Tail”. What are the origins of the name? Any speculation on the term? How would you describe a “Squash Tail”?
As best as I can recall a squash tail is an early '70’s design and I would describe it as a flattened out or “squashed” diamond.
A more memorable name then the descriptive rounded square tail. Started hearing the name used around the time of the Simon Anderson thruster in the early 80s.
Yes I would say that sometime in the '80’s is about the first time I probably heard the term used. I have always assumed the term referred to a “softer” outline and reduced or rounded corners. It seems though that the Tail dimensions are squeezed a bit as compared to a Square Tail which looks “fuller”.