22.02.2009, 00:30
Quote:What about the i-16, it seems to have no trim, including no elevator trim....
Fast jets (Modern fighters) have full moving control surfaces. The trim system on these aircraft moves the entire control and not just a small tab attached to it.
Quote:As a point of interest, here in Niagara a fellow named Ed Russel has a Spit, a Hurri and a 109. Talking to the chief pilot, John Romaine, he told me that they'd take the Spit up for a test hop and check the trim. On landing the rigger would use a block of wood and rubber mallet to bash the trailing edge, of the wing which was low, down a bit to increase lift. He showed me the evidence on the port wing and you could clearly see the small bend down just inboard of the aileron.
Rather hit or miss but somewhat effective and, given the life expectancy of a fighter in the war, probably all that was necessary.
The part of the control surface that they were "Adjusting" is called a fixed trim tab. It can only be adjusted on the ground, and yes, it is rather hit and miss.