COG ?
12-16-2003, 02:25 AM
#1
COG ?
I have finished a Sig Kadet Senior but have found that it is very tail heavy when I checked the center of gravity. I don't really want to move the engine forward (not much farther I could move it anyway), and I have added heavier front wheels (it has been converted to a tail dragger), a metal spinner, and a larger battery as far forward as possible.
Anyone have any other things I can try before I glue lead in the front end?
Thanks,
-Jinks
Anyone have any other things I can try before I glue lead in the front end?
Thanks,
-Jinks
12-16-2003, 02:41 AM
#2
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RE: COG ?
it's completely finished? If not covered, then sandpaper. Maybe a larger engine? Aluminum spinner? Heavy Hub? Carbon fiber pushrods? Battery up front?
12-16-2003, 08:22 AM
#3
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RE: COG ?
IF not covered, does it have sheet balsa tail surfaces, or built up? If sheet balsa, you could cut (Drill) some holes in the surfaces. Or try lighter pushrods (as CafeenMan suggested).
Other than that, it sounds as though you've either done, or already suggested, other options. (Spinner, engine forward, heavy batt pack.) A Higley "Heavy Hub" prop nut would give you an ounce or two more on the nose, but spinners don't work with them. At least they haven't for me.
As for moving the engine forward, you can put a 1/4 inch plywood plate between the mount and the firewall. Pretty easy to do.
Dennis-
Other than that, it sounds as though you've either done, or already suggested, other options. (Spinner, engine forward, heavy batt pack.) A Higley "Heavy Hub" prop nut would give you an ounce or two more on the nose, but spinners don't work with them. At least they haven't for me.
As for moving the engine forward, you can put a 1/4 inch plywood plate between the mount and the firewall. Pretty easy to do.
Dennis-
12-16-2003, 08:26 AM
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RE: COG ?
Adding heavier wheels isn't going to help the cg much if any,the cg is too close to the landing gear,if all the equipment has been moved forward,then use the lightest tail wheel possible and bite the bullet and add weight at the front of the plane
12-16-2003, 09:05 AM
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RE: COG ?
There have been several threads about the Senior needing a lot of nose weight. I think most of the guys end up glueing weight to the firewall as needed. As big as that wing is, it doesn't seem to hurt it.
Larry
Larry
12-16-2003, 09:31 AM
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RE: COG ?
Can oyou put the battery pack and receiver under the tank?
ORIGINAL: Jinkers
Anyone have any other things I can try before I glue lead in the front end?
Thanks,
-Jinks
Anyone have any other things I can try before I glue lead in the front end?
Thanks,
-Jinks
12-16-2003, 10:48 AM
#7
RE: COG ?
Something else worth mentioning, is that adding lead (ESPECIALLY in a trainer) is not the end of the world! It is something we try to avoid on precision planes, but "if ya need more weight, ya gotta add it".
My Gee Bee "Y" needed about 3/4 of a POUND of lead in the nose (Metric = .75 Lbometers), but it flies great!
My Gee Bee "Y" needed about 3/4 of a POUND of lead in the nose (Metric = .75 Lbometers), but it flies great!
