Return-Path: Sender: (Marvin Kaye) To: lml Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 23:59:37 -0500 Message-ID: X-Original-Return-Path: Received: from smtp03.mrf.mail.rcn.net ([207.172.4.62] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 4.0.3) with ESMTP id 1941324 for lml@lancaironline.net; Sun, 29 Dec 2002 15:57:19 -0500 Received: from 208-59-159-58.s312.tnt2.frdb.va.dialup.rcn.com ([208.59.159.58] helo=OFFICE) by smtp03.mrf.mail.rcn.net with smtp (Exim 3.35 #4) id 18SkUn-00043H-00 for lml@lancaironline.net; Sun, 29 Dec 2002 15:57:18 -0500 X-Original-Message-ID: <004901c2af7d$0ce6a490$3a9f3bd0@OFFICE> From: "Bill & Sue" X-Original-To: "Lancair Mailing List" References: Subject: Re: [LML] Scimitar Prop X-Original-Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 15:58:33 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2720.3000 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2600.0000 > > 1) The prop is 3 in larger and weighs 20 pounds more which helps the CG in high altitude flight so the nose is not so high. This could account for some of the speed advantage by virtue of less drag (?). > Dave, Thanks for the info on the props. There is one little point in your post that I'd like to bring to your attention though. There is a fundamental error in your assumption that a more forward cg makes the airplane fly more nose down. As intuitive as this seems, it just ain't so. As a matter of fact the opposite is true. Here's why: Throughout the entire cg envelope, the cg is forward of the center of pressure (think of center of pressure as the center of lift). This is necessary for stability. Because of this the horizontal stab is ALWAYS pushing down. The wing must carry not only the weight of the airplane but also the "weight" of the down force generated by the horizintal stab. Moving the cg forward requires a LARGER down force from the horizontal stab to stay in balance. The additional down force must be lifted by the wing along with the weight of the airplane. Assuming a constant aircraft weight, density altitude and airspeed, the additional lift must be produced by a HIGHER angle of attack. (and higher total drag, known as trim drag). Therefore, the more forward the cg, the more nose UP the airplane will fly under given conditions, and with a corresponding INCREASE in drag. Sorry to be so picky, must be the old flight instructor in me trying to get out. Bill harrelson@erols.com N5ZQ LNC2 O-320 VA42 Fredericksburg, VA