Using my weight and balance Excel spread sheet, I can do all manner of "what if" math quick and easy. (Don't know if Mr. Pazmany had Excel, but his math is still valid.) My datum is the leading edge of the stub wings per the KR-2 plans. At my max gross weight I would not be able to load my KR-2 without tipping on the tail at 17 inches main wheel location. For flight the cg would be 14.6 inches; fly-able but not recommended. With the main wheels at 19 inches that would be the balance or tipping point. Any loading less than the max gross weight would work ok at the 19 inch setting. The cg for flight would 14.7 inches (moving the weight of the main wheels will move the empty cg). To get the cg less than 14 inches at max fuel would require limiting the passenger weight to less than 100 pounds. To get a safe margin regarding tipping, the main wheel location on my KR-2 needs to be set at 20 inches from datum. I am fairly certain I have enough elevator authority for takeoff rotation. Time will tell. Regarding drilling the gear legs for initial installation, just use C-clamps to hold everything in position and measure the distance to the axels. Set it where you want it to be. A carpenter square and your stub wing templates are all the measuring tools you will need for that. Right now I would recommend 20 inches. As Larry says: "Your results may vary."
Sid Wood Tri-gear KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD, USA ------------------------------------------------------------------- > With Sid's landing gear being 17" aft of datum?(leading edge) and the > problem with the the tail falling down. What would be a good position for > the landing gear if you haven't drilled your legs yet? I know you wouldn't > wanna make the nose to ?heavy because you would have problems rotating.? > > Paul Visk > Belleville Il > 618 406 4705 >
