Alchemy
Well-Known Member
I understand why we need horizontal stabilizers. The center of pressure of most wings is 2/3 of the way to the trailing edge, while the center of gravity is further forward. To keep the nose from dropping, we need the horizontal stabilizer to apply a tail down force and allow us to sustain a level flight attitude.
My question is: Why can't all planes be designed so that most of the mass of the fuselage is mostly aft of the wings, compensating for the forward center of gravity of the wing, and eliminating the need for the horizontal stabilizer. Isn't this the way most delta wing aircraft, like the concorde or mirage fighter are designed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of that type of design?
Thanks.
My question is: Why can't all planes be designed so that most of the mass of the fuselage is mostly aft of the wings, compensating for the forward center of gravity of the wing, and eliminating the need for the horizontal stabilizer. Isn't this the way most delta wing aircraft, like the concorde or mirage fighter are designed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of that type of design?
Thanks.