Lateral Balance
05-01-2005, 12:56 AM
#2
RE: Lateral Balance
Lateral balance is always good, especially if the engine is mounted sideways. You
will have a lot of weight hanging out the right side of the plane. If the engine is
mounted upright or inverted, the "out of balance" is not as noticeable.
FBD.
will have a lot of weight hanging out the right side of the plane. If the engine is
mounted upright or inverted, the "out of balance" is not as noticeable.
FBD.
05-01-2005, 01:08 AM
#3
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RE: Lateral Balance
Thanks FBD , my engine is mounted 3/4 toward inverted . I'm trying to do it now , I don't like the fact of putting lead underneath the wing but if it works what the hey .
05-01-2005, 01:42 AM
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RE: Lateral Balance
Unbalanced wing will promote tip-stalling. Most planes need no more than a quarter or half an ounce somewhere out toward the tip. If you have your engine side-mounted with thrust offset, then the crankshaft, which is the heaviest piece of steel in the engine, will lie on the left side of the centerline. With a side-mounted engine I usually try to get the battery pack up against the light side of the fuselage to save ballast in the wing.
05-01-2005, 08:33 AM
#8
RE: Lateral Balance
the few times that I had to add weight to the wingtip, I didn't have to add but 1/8 - 1/4 oz. I think that's because the weight is so far out there. At any rate, I will make a neat slice in the covering, and install the weight securely inside the wing so that it isn't noticeable. It's easy enough to patch the slice in the covering material.
Mike
Mike
05-01-2005, 12:06 PM
#9
Senior Member
RE: Lateral Balance
I just laterally balanced a GP Skybolt with an inverted Magnum 120. I needed 1 oz of lead in the right wingtip. Seemed like a lot, but the off balance is defintley in the fuse. That big exhaust hanging off to the left is heavy.
05-01-2005, 01:03 PM
#10
RE: Lateral Balance
For Deadeye: Same plane, same engine, same configuration. Should e ready for maiden in next couple of weeks. Think I'll try a 90° elbow to get the muffler under the fuse. Was it tail-heavy with the O.S. 1.20? Thanks for the heads-up.
Mike
Mike
05-01-2005, 01:45 PM
#11
Senior Member
RE: Lateral Balance
mirwin,
I used a Magnum 120, not the OS, but I imagine they are about the same weight. Right now, I balance perfectly with the RX and battery on CG. But, I also did some 'lattice work' on the fuselage to lighten up this known-to-be tail heavy plane. You can read about my mods [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2496934/anchors_2496934/mpage_1/key_skybolt%252Clightening/anchor/tm.htm#2496934]here.[/link] I also made a hatch in the top for fuel tank access, and made the landing gear area accessible. Mine will also be ready to maiden in the next few weeks. Good luck with yours.
I used a Magnum 120, not the OS, but I imagine they are about the same weight. Right now, I balance perfectly with the RX and battery on CG. But, I also did some 'lattice work' on the fuselage to lighten up this known-to-be tail heavy plane. You can read about my mods [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2496934/anchors_2496934/mpage_1/key_skybolt%252Clightening/anchor/tm.htm#2496934]here.[/link] I also made a hatch in the top for fuel tank access, and made the landing gear area accessible. Mine will also be ready to maiden in the next few weeks. Good luck with yours.
