[Mat_Helm]

Modern fighters such as F-18's etc.. that are fly by wire with flight control computers that constantly trim the aircraft. The massive stabs have no trim tabs blowing in the wind and have asymmetric control allowing for pitch and roll from the stabs. The Hornet and Rhino also have mechanical linkage to the stabs, but the software and computers fly the plane more than the pilot. If an F-18 losses both its AOA sensors it is not flyable accept in mech mode and only one or two pilots have ever landed a Hornet safely in Mech Mode failure.

The Mustangs fly with full down trim tab as they are pulling on average 3 to 4 G's the whole race and more in the tighter turns. This is barn storm racing and pure man machine at their limits. No G suits or servo mechanical controls with computers and sensors controlling unstable aircraft. I am sure if they could find a way to remove the trim tabs and safely trim these highly modified aircraft they would have a long time ago.

[I cannot think of a name]

“The Mustangs fly with full down trim tab as they are pulling on average 3 to 4 G’s the whole race and more in the tighter turns.”

OK, although if you go to the web site below, there are a lot of images of the fastest Mustang racer, and it sure looks like the tabs are faired to me. If there is any deflection at all, sure seems like it could be handled with a fixed tab for racing only.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dago-Red-Mustang-Air-Race/146686761323#

[I cannot think of a name]

Somebody just posted a better picture at 103 and it looks as if he is flying with nose down trim cranked in. Probably too much to handle with a fixed tab. I also notice the elevators appear to be horn balanced. Many modern aircraft have had the balance weight redistributed along the leading edge which considerably improves flutter margins.