You mean the thin plastic...vacuum formed "Air Tab" brand vortex generators was seen on an X-2 from the 50's...held on by 3M adhesive?
IMPOSSIBLE. At the speed that aircraft traveled....they would melt right off. If they could even stay on at the low low speed of Mach 1. lol
There might be features that resemble the air tab and there are other vortex generating shapes on a variety of aircraft there in Dayton...but absolutely not the Air Tab we know today.
I also have experience with Air Tabs on my own vehicle and TT. No change in MPG, but when I placed a set atop my rear window spoiler, the front the trailer remains super clean. No direct bug hits anymore, except for a couple inches on each side...almost like I drew a vertical line on the trailer.
