Engineering question I've wondered about since the crash for any Mustang experten that may be about.
The NX-71 prototype flew in 1941, if I remember right. NAA engineers were designing an airplane that could do about 350 mph max. So they designed two elevator trim tabs each with three hinges, the center hinge taking the actuating rod, figuring how light they could make the parts and still handle the max load, the way engineers do.
And if I remember right, early B and C models had some problems with the tail section coming off at the attach point under the vertical fin leading edge, so NAA beefed up the aft section. Given the increased speed of the Merlin models, did they beef up the trim tabs and their hardware while they were at it?
And considering hot-rodded Unlimited versions of the Mustang can go 450 and more, is it common practice for builders of these racing planes to beef up the trim hardware even more to compensate?
Or was #177 flying with 1941-vintage elevator tab hardware?
Not trying to speculate too much, but the departed tab made me wonder.
Jungmann
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