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Pitch Trim Drag

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Toobuilder

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2010
Messages
6,603
Location
Mojave, Ca

Is there a general rule concerning the drag contribution of various pitch trim methods? Specifically, I’m thinking of the all moving stab (ragwing Piper and Mooney), bungee, and the conventional elevator mounted adjustable tab. I would guess that the overall speed range and CG range would dictate the amount of “power” required for the trim system, but what about drag at cruise? Seems to me, the ideal low drag solution is to have the stab set to the optimal incidence angle and the CG as far aft as stability allows. This allows no tab or elevator displacement, thus minimal drag.
I guess what I’m looking for is some generalization of a low drag method to shoot for in a 250 knot airplane with a fairly “tight” CG range. I like tabs over the bungee simply because of the redundant pitch trim ability, but don’t like a secondary surface due to complexity, weight and drag.
If I’m putting the cart before the horse, or if the overall drag is down in the noise, please let me know.

Thanks

Mike
 
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