The A2A Simulations Community

First, congratulations to our winner in the first contest, JCBlom. Everyone loves your work.

That first contest went so well, we have one more, but this is a 2-part prize.


Question 1:
In the P-51D Mustang, when applying RIGHT RUDDER, which way does the rudder trim tab move in relation to the rudder?
Winning prize for the first correct answer: $25 gift certificate

Question 2:
Explain your answer
Winning prize for the first correct answer: $25 gift certificate

Scott.

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A2A Simulations Inc.

I say the trim tab moves to the right to automatically compensate.

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The rudder trim tab moves to the LEFT. It acts as a small "elevator", moving left in to the airstream, which applies force to the left trailing edge of the rudder, which then cause the rudder to pivot RIGHT on it hinges.

How's that?

It doesn't move, because all you're doing is moving the rudder so the trim would just go with it?

Since Somethingfake said right, I'll say left.

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It is days like this I hate being a rotorcraft mechanic, but without access to the maintenance books I am going to guess... We have trim tabs on the rotor blades, but they are set manually on the ground with a bender set. Blah.

The trim tab on the P-51 rudder would not move at all regardless of the direction you move the rudder as it is set independantly using the adjustment wheel in the cockpit. The reason for this is to aerodynamically set the control surface to a desired position once the air starts flowing over the tab to help reduce workload on the pilot. Hope that is what you are looking for.. Cause I understood the question to mean how does it act when you apply right rudder.. Not how does the trim tab act when you trim the rudder out. That is simply the trim tab moves to the left so when the air gets to flowing it pushes the rudder to the right.

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S Jordan
Milviz Staff Member
AM; United States Navy
FSX Hours: 2000 and counting

Question 1:

Trim Tab will stay in whatever position it is trimmed for in relation to the rudder control surface.

Question 2:

If the rudder is trimmed for example for a nose right setting, then the trim tab will be facing left in relation to the rudder. The The left facing trim tab exerts force on the rudder which moves the rudder to the right thus keeping the aircraft trimmed for nose right. However when moving the rudder, the trim tab will move with the rudder and maintain it's same trim position in relation to the rudder. Trim is designed for straight and level flight. When control surfaces are moved the airplane is forced to leave the trimmed neutral state for a dynamically changing one. When the control surface is brought back to neutral the trim tabs will attempt to return the airplane to the previous condition.

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P-51's rudder trim tab doubled as anti ballance tab, so it increased the force required to steer. Assume looking at the back of airplane: applying right rudder would result in the rudder moving to the right and the tab moving to the right also. It would act as "rudder's rudder", applying force to the left (to "center" the rudder).

Yeah...kicking in right rudder with the pedal will move the trim tab to the right as well, with the rudder, so that it doesn't change the airfoil. In relation to the rudder itself, the tab will stay streamlined, until you start using the wheel.

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My Guide On How To Fix Your X-52's Rudder!

The winners and the explanation are announced in this dev video:
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=29667

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A2A Simulations Inc.

"Schedules for release this month"

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope your servers are ready

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Lukas

So how often are you going to be clicking 'refresh' on your browser?

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"The knack of flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Thank you A2A Team and congratulations to Somethingfake!

PZl Belfegor,

I have to ask, how did you know the answer? This is not something that is commonly known, even among active P-51 pilots.

Scott.

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A2A Simulations Inc.

Oh not too many times I would say

I've got a showcase with all the F5 key's I broke so far.. I'm starting to run out of space I think....................

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Lukas