Theory and Practice of Aircraft Performance

CHAPTER 6Stability Considerations Affecting Aircraft Performance

6.1 Overview

Aircraft performance depends on aircraft stability characteristics. Aircraft stability analysis forms a subject of its own (more details on the subject are given in [1–10]), but it is necessary to explain some of the pertinent points that affect aircraft performance. Substantiation of aircraft performance by itself would not prove sufficient if the aircraft stability characteristics do not offer satisfactory handling qualities and safety. These characteristics concern aircraft flying qualities (NASA has codified these flying qualities). Many good designs had to go through considerable modifications to substantiate aircraft performance and handling criteria. The position of the aircraft centre of gravity (CG) plays an important role in inherent aircraft motion characteristics, which can be seen in how an aircraft performs. This chapter gives a qualitative understanding of the geometric arrangement of aircraft components that affect aircraft performance associated with stability. Only the equations governing static stability are given to explain some of the important effects on aircraft performance.

6.2 Introduction

Inherent aircraft performance and stability are a result of CG location, wing and empennage sizing/shaping, fuselage and nacelle sizing/shaping, and their relative locations. This chapter highlights some of the lessons learnt on how aircraft components affect aircraft performance. Designers ...