Figures 1 and 2 depict the same airplane with a forward center of gravity and one in which the CG is further aft, closer to the center of lift. The CG acts on the airplane via the red arrow while lift—shown here opposing CG, actually works at a right angle to the relative wind. In both instances, some tail down force must be generated, as represented by the green arrow at each tail. That tail down force imposes an increase in the aerodynamic weight the wings must support, requiring the wings to generate greater lift than demanded by the airplane’s weight. When greater lift must be generated, the wing’s induced drag increases. Tail down force and the wing’s induced drag are greater when the distance between CG and CL is greater.
Forward Center of Gravity
Key Takeaways:
- A more forward center of gravity (CG), increasing the distance between CG and the center of lift (CL), requires greater tail down force.
- This increased tail down force adds to the aerodynamic weight the wings must support, requiring them to generate greater lift.
- The need for greater lift directly increases the wing's induced drag, meaning a forward CG ultimately results in greater tail down force and higher induced drag.
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