DATUM: (Reference Datum). The imaginary vertical line from which all horizontal measurements are taken for weight and balance purposes with the aircraft in level flight attitude. The datum is 60 inches in front of the leading edge (L.E.) of the wing. All moment, arms, and the location of the permissible C.G. range must be taken with the reference to the datum.
ARM: The horizontal distance from the reference datum line to the center of gravity of the item. The algebraic sign is plus (+) if measured aft of the datum, and minus (-) if measured forward of the datum.
MOMENT: The product of the weight of an item multiplied (x) by its arm.
CENTER OF GRAVITY: (C.G.). The point at which the aircraft would balance, if it were possible to suspend it at that point.
CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS: The specified forward and aft points between which the C.G. must be located during takeoff, flight, and landing. These were determined through calculation, then adjusted with experience gained through flight testing the first 5 aircraft to fly.
Normal (green)
•The Panther when flown throughout the “Normal” CG range is easy to fly, has light, but not twitchy stick forces.
•Toward forward end of the range the aircraft
owill not fully Stall or Spin easily (or at all, use caution to identify and avoid Spiral Dives).
owill have good positive stability, but be less maneuverable, and have higher Pitch stick forces.
owill be more sensitive to braking inputs, but be slightly easier to control on the ground.
•Toward the aft end of the “Normal” range the Panther
owill stall fully, And Spin If full control is held.
oThe Pitch stick forces will be slightly lower. It will retain good Positive stability.
oIt is more maneuverable and less sensitive to brake inputs. It will still be easy to maintain control on ground.
Caution (yellow)
•In the “Caution” The Range the Panther will have progressively lighter stick forces as the CG moves aft.
•Stall and Spin entry / Recovery is positive at the Aft “Caution” limit.
•Spins will be slightly more nose high, and at a lower rotation rate than at mid CG ranges.
•Pitch Stick forces are very light especially at low speed.
•At the aft “Caution” limit the aircraft should retain positive stability at all speeds.
•We recommend test flying in the Normal (green) Range then expanding the envelope to the Caution Range during Phase 1 testing.
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