Where should the center of lift be on a plane?

[soss]

I've been fiddling with my plane for about an hour and can't seem to get it right. The plane either flips frontwards or backwards whenever I get off the runway. Any tips?

[jhendriks87]

the center of lift should be just behind the center of mass. if it is too far forward you will flip upwards and too far back and you will flip downwards.

[soss]

Originally posted by jhendriks87:

the center of lift should be just behind the center of mass. if it is too far forward you will flip upwards and too far back and you will flip downwards.

Thanks.

[Banic_MS]

The key to getting jets to fly right is its full weight and empty weight.

You need to make sure that the center of mass is slightly forward of the center of lift. But you do have some wiggle room.

Also in the Space Plane Hanger, empty all the fuel tanks, in this state you still need to make sure the center of lift is behind the center of mass. Other wise your plane may start flying well while it has lots of fuel, and once fuel gets used up it may start to become uncontrollable.

[Woody]

The closer the center of lift is to the center of mass the more nimble your plane will be. It is usually better for faster planes to place the COL a little further back.

It is usually better to have the COM to shift forward as fuel burns than backwards. Better yet design something where the COM does not shift or moves very slighty.

[11mgc11]

If all else fails, try putting your engines slightly lower or higher.