Bob wrote in :

Hello,

Saw a video on the WW II Hellcat, and on the walk-around it was
mentioned that the Stab. was fabric covered.

Not sure if anything else was.

Really surprised.
Why did they use fabric on the Stab. ?

Was fabric covered surfaces "common" on US WW II fighters ?
Why ?

Thanks,'Bob


fighters, transports , also on Bombers,

Short answer...

before the days of hydraulic assisted surfaces, it took
a great deal of strength to move those surfaces.
fabric covered made the work a little easier.


(my aunt was a seamtress prior to the war, and during the war she
sewed fabric for Grumman)