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Aerodynamic stability refers to the desire of an aircraft to return to straight and level flight without any control inputs. Stability is also commonly underst
by Dalewyn 3y ago
Aerodynamic stability refers to the desire of an aircraft to return to straight and level flight without any control inputs.
Stability is also commonly understood as the opposite of maneuverability, as a more stable aircraft is less maneuverable.
Combat aircraft such as fighters are designed to be aerodynamically unstable so their maneuverability is unhindered. Likewise stunt planes and other aircraft whose job is to not fly straight and level.
Aircraft such as passenger and cargo airliners are designed to be aerodynamically stable because their job is to fly straight and level with good fuel economy and minimal piloting, they do not need swift and nimble maneuverability.
The safety of an aircraft has no relation to that aircraft's aerodynamic stability.
- WalterBright 3y agoAirliners also have to work at low speed in thick air, and high speed in thin air. Swept wings, for example, perform poorly at lower speeds. An airliner has to perform well at both, which is why wings are swept, yet have flaps and slats to modify their aerodynamic profile. Swept wings have other problems, like dutch roll. Airliners also become uncontrollable above a certain speed, which was a contributing factor to the EA crash (the crew ignored the overspeed warning).