Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
 C of G...with or without fuel? >

C of G...with or without fuel?

Community
Search
Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

C of G...with or without fuel?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-28-2009 | 08:44 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Aurora, ON, CANADA
Default C of G...with or without fuel?

I am assuming that the aircraft C of G testing done at completion of a build is done without fuel. Both my latest ARF builds (LT40 and Pulse XT 60) don't mention fueling the tank prior to testing the
C of G. I am assuming that this is because the fuel tank is positioned in a C of G neutral position...correct???
Old 07-28-2009 | 08:50 PM
  #2  
My Feedback: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Visalia, CA
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?

That is correct. You check the CG without fuel in the tank.
Old 07-28-2009 | 09:03 PM
  #3  
RCKen's Avatar
RCU Forum Manager/Admin
My Feedback: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,247
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 27 Posts
From: Lawton, OK
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?

You are correct. Empty.


When the fuel tank is located in front of the CG it is balanced with the tank empty.
When the fuel tank is located behind the CG it is balanced with the tank full. 

Ken 
Old 07-28-2009 | 10:32 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Perth Australiaaustralia, AUSTRALIA
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?

empty is right ...only jets are balanced with the header tank full
Old 07-29-2009 | 01:21 AM
  #5  
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Lacona, NY
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?

Always Empty, I second that.
Old 07-29-2009 | 09:40 AM
  #6  
jeffie8696's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Muscatine, IA
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?

You can imagine that tail heavy on final approach might be a bad thing.
Old 07-29-2009 | 10:52 AM
  #7  
opjose's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Poolesville, MD
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?


ORIGINAL: davo580

empty is right ...only jets are balanced with the header tank full
And many pusher prop planes...

Old 07-29-2009 | 11:08 AM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Aurora, ON, CANADA
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?


Thanks all!
Old 07-29-2009 | 12:54 PM
  #9  
Missileman's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Poland, OH
Default RE: C of G...with or without fuel?


ORIGINAL: cervelott

I am assuming that the aircraft C of G testing done at completion of a build is done without fuel. Both my latest ARF builds (LT40 and Pulse XT 60) don't mention fueling the tank prior to testing the
C of G. I am assuming that this is because the fuel tank is positioned in a C of G neutral position...correct???
You are mostly correct but wrong on one assumption.
Most fuel tanks are not mounted in a nuetral position. An airplane can be easily controlled if it is a little nose heavy but difficult to impossible if tail heavy.
with the tank in the front, as most airplanes are, as you run low on fuel the CG shifts toward the rear. We balance with no fuel so we know our planes are OK to fly when the tank gets low and even though with the tank full and the aircraft a bit nose heavy it is still controllable.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.