Xf5u Cg?

[adamdb]

I am in the process of designing an Chance-Vought XF5U and am unsure whether to calculate the CG like you would for a flying wing, or like a "normal" airplane with a tail. I would assume like a flying wing (11-18% of chord), but with the elevon surfaces sticking out of the side, I am not sure.

I am building a reduced scale chuck glider so I can test the CG and test some equipment placements and what-not, but was wondering if anyone had an opinion or first hand experience.

[Montag DP]

That is a bizarre plane.

It should work fine to calculate it like a normal plane, but be sure to take the tail surface into account (treat them as a lifting surface, just like you do the wing).

I'm actually in the process of putting together an all-inclusive CG calculator/estimator spreadsheet that can handle pretty much any configuration of plane and also help you to estimate where to put the servos, battery, motor, etc to get everything to balance right beforehand, but it won't be done for awhile.

But for now, a quick google search turned up this calculator (http://adamone.rchomepage.com/cg_calc.htm) which should allow you to get a good estimate of where the CG should be. I would just treat the wing and elevons roughly as rectangles if I were to use that one. Then definitely test with your chuck glider too.

Dan

[Work in Progress]

Its reduced-scale predecessor, the V-173, has been flown successfully with the CG in the 25% to 27% MAC range.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=917039

[adamdb]

Wow! That 173 is a work of art! Thanks for the info. The project is kind of back-burnered for right now due to a job search, but I hope to get back to it soon.