RC Aircraft Stability: Neutral or Instability?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the stability configuration of an RC aircraft, specifically debating between neutral static stability and static instability. It is established that a static margin between 1% to 40% is optimal, with a preference for light stability to enhance maneuverability while preventing stalling. The consensus suggests that maintaining the center of gravity (CG) ahead of the aerodynamic center (AC) is crucial for stability, particularly when using canards. The recommended configuration includes two statically stable points within an unstable region to ensure the aircraft returns to its original position after disturbances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static stability concepts in aerodynamics
  • Familiarity with the role of center of gravity (CG) and aerodynamic center (AC)
  • Knowledge of RC aircraft design principles
  • Experience with canard configurations in aircraft
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of static margin on RC aircraft performance
  • Study the principles of canard design and its impact on stability
  • Explore advanced stability analysis techniques for RC aircraft
  • Learn about the implications of CG placement on flight characteristics
USEFUL FOR

RC aircraft designers, hobbyists, and aerodynamics enthusiasts looking to optimize aircraft stability and maneuverability.

kevjcarvalho
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For an RC aircraft which i am working on i was thinking about having static stability at the extreme limits of pitching to prevent stalling and further instability, but i was wondering what to have between the limits neutral static stability or static instability. Static instability may help the pilot due to ease of controls but will always lead to the extremes thus stabilising the aircraft, thus preventing the pilot from maintaining the aircraft's orientations. Sorry but I'm not to good in explaining this. Thanks.
 
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all i know the choisen limit for static margin is from 1% to 40% and as u increas the static stabilty u decreas the contrlabilty so for good manuvers u need the a/c to be light stability
 
well i feel you should keep the aircraft in the range of static stability. the reason being if it is in the instable region i.e. CG behind AC, it will produce pitch up moments till your aircraft stalls. but between these limits, you must tend it towards instability as neutral stability will keep it in its position without ensuring its return to the stable position. so a good configuration would be two statically stable points between an unstable region which tends to pitch the aircraft back to its original position i.e C.G ahead of A.C
 
At the extreme limits the canards will stall, not the wings thereby preventing the wing from stalling. Also the CG is ahead of the AC of the wing. Want to know whether to keep neutral stability or static instability between the extreme limits. Nice to see u here.
 
but no one desing the aircraft to be unstability it is just choise between light stability and heavy stability ( the distance between ac and cg= static margien )and the ac shoud be after the cg then u look for the range for the movment of the cg forword or backword
 
you never said you were using canards. i would say go for light stability as this may help in stablisation as well as easy maneuverabilty...
 
ok.So should it be light stability or neutral??. Just trying out with canards.
 
i feel light stability
 

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