Table 5 Configuration Selection
High
Wing Location Mid
Low
Options
Justification
Mid-wing aircraft have better takeoff characteristics and are lighter than high-wing aircraft. It also aids passengers in entering the cockpit, eliminating the requirement for a separate ladder. Mid-wings are aesthetically more pleasant than low-wings, which makes them more desirable. Empennage V-Tail Cruciform Conventional
Options
Justification
Conventional empennages require lower stick forces relative to V-tails, and are lighter than cruciform empennages. Landing Gear Tail Wheel Tricycle
Options
Justification
Aircraft with tricycle landing gear have better ground handling characteristics than aircraft with tail wheel landing gear. Takeoff visibility is also improved relative to a tail wheel configuration. Finally, tricycle landing gear aircraft are more desirable for instructional use due to their improved view of the runway. Engine/Prop Placement Front Wing-Mounted Rear
Options
Justification
Placing the propeller in front of the fuselage allows the propeller to work on undisturbed flow fields, therefore having a higher installed efficiency, desirable for improving range and endurance performance 21. Locating the engine in the front section of the fuselage allows for easy access to cooling air streams and improves longitudinal stability by pushing the CG forward.
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