Bill wrote>

I wonder if the A300 rudder trim tab actuator is redundant??

Bill Freeman

Wrathall Mark wrote:

Does the A300 have a rudder trim tab? The later Scarebuses don't. The 767
also trims by repositioning the rudder with the main actuators..

The 777 has an anti balance tab. I'd guess that wasn't on the original
design spec, but turned up as the cheapest/fastest/easiest solution to a
rudder authority problem in initial flight testing.

As I recall the 777 composite rudder is made in Australia and I saw
a special on its manufacture. Boeing changed the design several times
during the production contract as I recall.

The anti balance tab lowers the overall drag of the fin and rudder
as it acts like a flap. It only adds drag when rudder input is needed.
The fin and rudder consequently can be smaller (have less area) than
otherwise required.

Paul Lamar

I was just ASSUMEing that it would need a trim tab, but we all know
what ASSUME stands for.  :-)   If it isn't installed, it can't have been
the cause of the crash.

Bill Freeman

 
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