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Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity is on 30-33% chord position by a normal airplane. The wing is 140mm width
divided by 3 is 46,6mm, so the centre of gravity is on 46,6mm from the
leading edge, bud with a bi-plane the centre of gravity lies just behind
the leading edge of the lower wing. Support the model at the centre of
gravity, which is
indicated on the drawing. The correct centre of gravity has been found
when the model sits horizontally, with the noise pointing down slightly.
If the tail points down, add lead at the front. If the nose points down
too much, add lead at the back. But it is better to move the battery to
achieve the right centre of gravity.
Pre flight tests
First check the equipment and perform a radio range test. Check if the
rudders move the right way and don't have to much tolerance. It is easier
to have a helper who can launch the model by hand. Choose a day with very
little wind, for easier take-off and landing. Stalling occurs when the
model climbs straight up immediately after take-off, it loses speed, the
wings no longer give the necessary lift and the model drops to the ground.
Countermeasures: compensate with the elevator immediately and land. Check
the centre of gravity or change the angle of incidence of the wings to
prevent excessive climb. Diving occurs when the model goes into a nose
dive immediately after take-off. The speed increase and the danger of
breakage is high. Countermeasures: compensate with the elevator
immediately and land. Also check the centre of gravity or change the angle
of incidence of the wings. Test the stalling characteristics only on high
altitude before you throttle the e-motor back and raise the elevator
carefully and keep them raised. This way you know how the model handles
when you fly to slow (for landing). Avoid this at all times, a stall when
landing certainly cost you your plane. Be sure the centre of gravity isn't
to far back when you start testing the stalling characteristics, because
the plane can go to a spin from which you probable can't recover in
time. When flying horizontal switch the power to the motor off, if the
model dives then the motor camber and the angle of incidence must be
increased slightly. This also applies for the opposite.
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