RC Aircraft Stability: Neutral or Instability?

In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of static stability in RC aircraft design. The speaker is considering whether to have neutral static stability or static instability between the extreme pitching limits. They mention that having static instability may help with maneuverability but can also lead to instability. The ideal configuration is to have two statically stable points between an unstable region, and the CG should be ahead of the AC of the wing. The use of canards is also mentioned, and the speaker suggests going for light stability as it can help with stabilization and maneuverability.
  • #1
kevjcarvalho
42
0
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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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
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
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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
 
  • #6
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...
 
  • #7
ok.So should it be light stability or neutral??. Just trying out with canards.
 
  • #8
i feel light stability
 

1. What is the difference between neutral and unstable stability in RC aircraft?

Neutral stability in RC aircraft means that the aircraft will maintain its current flight path without any external inputs or corrections. On the other hand, unstable stability means that the aircraft will have a tendency to deviate from its current flight path and requires constant inputs from the pilot to maintain control.

2. How does the design of an RC aircraft affect its stability?

The design of an RC aircraft plays a crucial role in its stability. Factors such as wing size and shape, center of gravity, and control surfaces all contribute to the overall stability of the aircraft. A well-designed RC aircraft will have a balanced center of gravity and proper control surface placement to ensure stable flight.

3. Can an RC aircraft be too stable?

Yes, an RC aircraft can be too stable. This is known as over-stability and can make the aircraft less maneuverable. In extreme cases, it can even make it difficult to control the aircraft. It is important to find the right balance between stability and maneuverability for optimal flight performance.

4. How do pilots control the stability of an RC aircraft?

Pilots control the stability of an RC aircraft through the use of control surfaces such as the rudder, elevator, and ailerons. By adjusting these control surfaces, the pilot can change the direction and attitude of the aircraft, thus affecting its stability. In addition, pilots can also make adjustments to the aircraft's center of gravity to improve stability.

5. Can weather conditions affect the stability of an RC aircraft?

Yes, weather conditions can have a significant impact on the stability of an RC aircraft. Wind, in particular, can cause turbulence and affect the flight path of the aircraft, making it more difficult to maintain stability. It is important for pilots to take into account weather conditions and adjust their flight accordingly to ensure safe and stable flight.

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