The total change in the aircraft’s pitching moment coefficient (Cmc) due to variations in the tail lift coefficient (CLt) in the context of flight mechanics refers to how the aircraft’s pitching moment changes when the lift produced by the horizontal tail is altered. This relationship is crucial in understanding how changes in the horizontal tail’s lift characteristics affect the aircraft’s pitch stability.
- Cmcgt: This represents the total change in the aircraft’s pitching moment coefficient (Cmc) due to variations in the tail lift coefficient (CLt) and the horizontal tail volume coefficient (VH)
- CLt: This is the lift coefficient of the horizontal tail. It represents the lift-producing characteristics of the horizontal tail and is also dimensionless.
- VH: The horizontal tail volume coefficient is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the effectiveness of the horizontal tail in controlling the aircraft’s pitch stability. A higher VH indicates greater effectiveness in maintaining stable flight.