VOLT S-5 CENTRE OF GRAVITY

Eusebio, Patrick Daniel; Adesioye, Martins; Bañas, Abdulmalik; Bulan, Christian Emmanuel; Galono, Jan
Lexes; Grayda Jr, Michael; Padua, Joshua Angelo; Pasaron, Prince Andrei Martin; Rodriguez, Junel Adrian;
Torres, Enrick Jon

KEYWORDS ABSTRACT

Center of Gravity Trainer planes are in high demand across the world due to their low production costs and ability to transport
Weight Estimation passengers and freight over large distances and a variety of terrain. One of the most important parts of
Trainer Airplanes building an airplane is determining the center of gravity of each component as well as providing a detailed
Airplane Weight description of how we gathered the data for the study. The goal of this report is to determine the center of
Raymer’s Book gravity of each VOLT S-5's components. Dr. Daniel P. Raymer's book "Aircraft Design: A Conceptual
Datum Line Approach" provided the numbers and formulas used to determine the point mass in various compositions
Empty and Gross Weight using the prior reports as a guide, in which the designers were entrusted with weight estimation. The empty
weight, gross weight, most aft loading configuration, and most forward loading configuration are the
Technical Report No. 5 configurations being discussed. Finally, the researchers used Solidworks Software and AutoCAD software
07 April 2022 to assemble the data.

examined, optimized, and revised as many times as necessary. New

1 Introduction
Trainer planes are in high demand all over the globe due to their
low production costs and capacity to move passengers and cargo
rapidly across great distances and over a range of environments. A
trainer airplane's weight distribution must be constructed in such a
way that it can carry its desired cargo while performing its intended
function.
The center of gravity is the point where all of an object’s weight
may be concentrated and have the same external effect on the body.
The importance of the center of gravity in objects is that it predicts
the behavior of a moving body when acted on by gravity. Acquiring
the estimated weight in the previous activity is an important aspect
in the design process and overall project completion for locating the
center of gravity of VOLT S-5. The airplane’s weight is used in
many elements of aircraft design, including aerodynamics,
construction, and propulsion. The fuselage’s weight, weight of the
wings, and engine weight, type, and location of parts must all meet
required design specifications, which define flight performance,
structure, configuration, and systems.
The aircraft's center of gravity affects the aircraft's stability and
performance, such as takeoff and climb performance, it affects
it because it is a point wherein it would balance were it possible to
suspend it at the point. Knowing your airplane's center of gravity is
critical knowledge to have before flying since it predicts the
behavior of a moving body when acted on by gravity. Other
performance inadequacies of an aircraft exceeding maximum weight
include increased takeoff speed and run, decreased rate and angle of
ascent, lower maximum altitude and shorter range, reduced
maneuverability, and more, all of which are deemed unfit for flight
by safety regulations and other parameters. To keep the center of
gravity within the limitations and standards, the weight must be
spread.
pilots must be aware of the center of gravity of the VOLT S-5 in
order to balance the training plane in flight. The trainee pilots must
precisely identify the weight of the VOLT S-5, as well as the weights
of all objects and fluids within the plane, including the plane's empty
weight. If the weight exceeds the VOLT S-5's weight restriction, the
airplane's balance in flight may be endangered, and the pilots' lives
may be put in jeopardy.
What we don't know and what is the center of gravity off the
trainer airplane will be revealed as the investigation progresses.
Despite its simplicity, this method incorporates all of the key aspects
of the most thorough locating procedures employed by the main
trainer aircraft manufacturers. Dr. Daniel P. Raymer's book "Aircraft
Design A Conceptual Approach" has figures and formulae that may
be used to locate VOLT S-5’s center of gravity. Prior reports, the
Initial Sketch, and the use of AutoCAD for measurements and values
provide the necessary values.
2 Methodology
2.1 Datum Location
The Datum is merely a point from which measurement is done
on an aircraft. It is an imaginary vertical plane from which all
horizontal measurements are obtained for balance purposes, with the
aircraft in level flight attitude. The location of the Datum Line which
is used to measure every point mass location of every component of
our aircraft is located on the tip of the nose of the propeller. The
measurement parts of each component were measured using
Autodesk, AutoCAD where the VOLT S-5 is presented in a
technical drawing, depicting its datum line measurements from the
front end of the airplane. Figure 1 shows the datum line location set
at the front end of the airplane.

Before the center of gravity for training airplanes is set, it must

be thoroughly researched first. As far as the requirements are
concerned, we follow the safety rules. In order to suit the VOLT S-
5's center of gravity, the airplane's design must be conceived,

1
 Table 3. Partial Group Weight Statement Data of Equipment

EQUIPMENT

Component Value Unit

25.15 lb
Flight Controls 11.41 kg

1.79 lb
Hydraulics 0.81 kg

66.17 lb
Electrical 30.01 kg

11.44 lb
Avionics 5.19 kg
Figure 1. Datum Line Location 38.90 lb
Furnishings 17.64 kg

143.45 lb
2.2 Partial Group Weight Statement TOTAL WEIGHT
65.07 kg
Table 1. Partial Group Weight Statement Data of Structural

STRUCTURAL Table 4. Partial Group Weight Statement Data of Useful Loads

Component Value Unit USEFUL LOADS

130.87 lb Component Value Unit

Wing 59.36 kg
300.46 lb
21.07 lb Pax 136.29 kg
Horizontal Tail 9.56 kg
220.46 lb
14.31 lb Pilot 100.00 kg
Vertical Tail 6.49 kg
44.09 lb
129.10 lb Bag 20.00 kg
Fuselage 58.56 kg
76.43 lb
145.78 lb Fuel 34.67 kg
Main Landing Gear 66.12 kg
3.82 lb
49.92 lb Oil 1.73 kg
Nose Landing Gear 22.64 kg
645.27 lb
491.05 lb TOTAL WEIGHT
TOTAL WEIGHT 292.69 kg
222.74 kg

The values of the group weight statement obtained from

Technical Report No. 4 are shown in Tables 1-4. The partial data
Table 2. Partial Group Weight Statement Data of Powerplant
needed to determine the locations and moments of each component
are used as the main basis to calculate the required values.
POWERPLANT
2.2.1 Determining the Empty Weight
Component Value Unit
The empty weight of an airplane refers to the weight of the plane
491.27 lb without any payload, such as passengers, luggage, usable fuel, full
Engine 222.84 kg working fluids, full engine oil and/or any extra weight. Structures,
propulsion, and other equipment are included in the empty weight.
14.52 lb
Fuel System 6.59 kg The weights of each of the following components are
summarized in Tables 1-4. These data may be used to calculate the
505.79 lb center of gravity and point mass of the airplane's empty weight
TOTAL WEIGHT
229.42 kg configuration.

2
 One of the most important factor in designing an aircraft is to
determine the moment and center of gravity where your aircraft will
be functional and efficient. As we all know, the center of gravity
affects the stability of an aircraft. Equation (1) can be used to
calculate the center of gravity (C.G.):
2.3 Center of Gravity Limits (C.G. Limits)
In determining the C.G. Limits must be separated by no more
than 8% of the wing MAC. In light aircrafts, the allowable C.G.
range should not exceed 20% MAC (Gudmundsson, p.169).

To determine if the C.G. remains within the limits necessary for

∑𝑀
𝐶. 𝐺. = (1) safe flight, a more-detailed "C.G.-Envelope" plot will be prepared.
∑𝑊′ This shows the current aircraft weight on the vertical axis and the
Where ΣM is the summation of the moments and ΣW' is the corresponding e.g. location on the horizontal axis. It illustrates the
summation of the different weights. location throughout the mission as fuel is burned off, payload is
dropped, or wings are swept. These values are summed and then
Equation (2) will then be used to determine the required moment divided by the total weight in order to determine the C.G. location.
(M).
The C.G. Limits of the intended aircraft were obtained by
combining the C.G. Limits of a similar type aircraft, the Piper PA-
𝑀 = 𝑊′𝑥 ′ (2)
38. The information was obtained from the Piper PA-38 Type
Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS). The measurements were taken in
Where W’ is the weight and 𝑥 ′ is the arm along the x-axis.
meters, which were then converted to millimeters, m.
The Point Mass Locations were determined using mass
properties from Computer Aided Design (CAD) software such as 3 Results & Discussion
AutoCAD software to simplify the procedure and obtain a more
accurate result. This was done by selecting a component and locating 3.1 Point Mass locations, Group Weight Statements, and
the centroid's location on the drawing. Center of Gravity Locations
2.2.2 Determining the Most Aft and Most Forward Loading 3.1.1 Empty Weight
Configuration
3.1.1.1 Point of Mass Location
The passengers, baggage, and maybe the avionics compartment
all influence the center of gravity location in the VOLST S-5’S most
aft configuration. The empty weight, the pilot point mass placement,
and minimum fuel, on the other hand, have an impact on the center
of gravity location of most forward layouts.

2.2.3 Determining the Gross Weight

The gross weight of an aircraft is the overall weight of the
aircraft at any ground operations or before takeoffs. The gross
weight of an aircraft might change throughout a flight owing to
cargo drops or in-flight refueling. Due to fuel and lubricant
consumption, an aircraft's gross weight will drop throughout a flight.
The gross weight of an aircraft is equal to its takeoff weight when
the brakes are released. The weights of the aircraft's construction,
equipment, propulsion, and usable load are used to compute it.
Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 summarizes the weights of the needed
components shown in Technical Report No. 4. These weights may
be used to estimate the center of gravity and point mass positions of Figure 2. Empty Weight Point of Mass Location (scale 2:1)
the Gross Weight arrangement.

The total of the aircraft's Empty Weight configuration and its Figure 2 shows the empty weight point of mass location of
Useful Load, in which is the Gross Weight, will be used to establish VOLT S-5. The structural, powerplant, and equipment groups make
the aircraft's center of gravity. Equation (1) is the formula used in up the empty weight's point of mass locations. Because of the
determining the C.G. of Gross Weight. symmetry of the plane in the top view, the center of gravity of the
components was calculated using Equation (1), which falls along the
The centroidal distances of the various components in the Gross x-axis from the datum line.
Weight category will be computed using the AutoCAD software.
The AutoCAD software delivers a precise figure that assists in Table 5. Point Mass Locations of VOLT S-5 obtained from AutoCAD
quickly establishing the gross weight. The centroidal distances
between the datum line and the center of gravity of the Empty Components x̄ (m)
Weight and Useful Load configurations will be computed using the
AutoCAD software’s program, much like the other three Engine 0.4504
configurations, which include the Most Aft and Most Forward
Avionics 0.9254
configurations.
Nose Landing Gear 0.9425

3
 Flight Controls/ Instrument 1.1135 Table 8. Group Weight Statement of Equipment and its Total Empty Weight

Furnishings 1.6635 STRUCTURAL

Electrical 1.8743 Component Weight (kg) Location (m) Moment (m-kg)

Fuel System/ Tank 1.9211 Flight

11.4078 1.1135 12.7026
Controls
Wing 2.0700
Hydraulics 0.8119 3.2387 2.6295
Fuselage 2.5121
Electrical 30.0142 1.8743 56.2556
Main Landing Gear 2.6825
Avionics 5.1891 0.9254 4.8020
Hydraulics 3.2387
Furnishings 17.6447 1.6635 29.3520
Vertical Tail 8.0699
Σ 65.0677 1.6251 105.7417
Horizontal Tail 8.6088
TOTAL
Table 5 illustrates the values for centroidal distance (x̄) which EMPTY 517.2267 1.5895 822.1218
are in metric units obtained from AutoCAD software wherein it WEIGHT
comprises thirteen (13) parts namely: Engine is at 0.45 m, Avionics
is at 0.92 m, Nose Landing Gear is at 0.94 m, Flight Controls & The weight included in Tables 6-8 was obtained from the partial
Instrument are at 1.11 m, Furnishings is at 1.66 m, Electrical is at group statement in the Technical Report No.4. The moment is then
1.87 m, Fuel System/ Tank is at 1.92 m, Wing is at 2.07 m, Fuselage solved using Equation (2).
is at 2.51 m, Main Landing Gear is at 2.68 m, Hydraulics is at 3.24
m, Vertical Tail is at 8.07 m, and Horizontal Tail is at 8.61 m. To obtain the values of the Total Empty Weight and its moment,
the total weights and locations of the Structures, Propulsion, and
3.1.1.2 Group Weight Statement Equipment classifications were simply added. The overall weight of
Table 6. Group Weight Statement of Structural the Empty Weight was 517.23 kg, with a moment of 822.12 m-kg.
The location or centroidal distance (x̄) was calculated by using
Equation (1). As a result, a value of 1.59 m was obtained.
STRUCTURAL
3.1.1.3 Center of Gravity Location
Component Weight (kg) Location (m) Moment (m-kg)

Wing 59.3616 2.0700 122.8785

Horizontal Tail 9.5572 8.6088 82.2760

Vertical Tail 6.4909 8.0699 52.3810

Fuselage 58.5588 2.5121 147.1056

Main Landing Gear 66.1247 2.6825 177.3795

Nose Landing Gear 22.6433 0.9425 21.3413

Σ 222.7365 2.7089 603.3619

Table 7. Group Weight Statement of Powerplant

Figure 3. Empty Weight C.G. Location (scale 2:1)

POWERPLANT
Figure 3 shows the Empty Weight C.G. Location of VOLT S-5
Component Weight (kg) Location (m) Moment (m-kg) which has a centroidal distance (x̄) of 1.5895 m. The overall empty
weight's center of gravity was calculated by adding the weights and
Engine 222.8363 0.4504 100.3655 moments of the structural, powerplant, and equipment groups
respectively.
Fuel System 6.5862 1.9211 12.6527

Σ 229.4225 0.4926 113.0182

4
3.1.2 Most Forward Loading Configuration MOST FORWARD
3.1.2.1 Point of Mass Location LOADING 718.6982 1.6371 1176.5823
CONFIGURATION

By adding the items needed, added fuel, and oil which is in

useful load classification, the values for the most forward loading
weight and moment were produced. The moment is then solved
using Equation (2). The weight was 718.70 kg, and the moment was
1176.58 kg-m. The location was determined in the same way, by
using Equation (1), yielding a value of 1.64 m. Forward weights of
the design were maximized to solve for the most forward loading
configuration.

3.1.2.3 Center of Gravity Location

Figure 4. Most Forward Loading Configuration Point of Mass Location

(scale 2:1)

The most forward loading configuration's point of mass

locations are made up of the minimum requirements for flight, which
include the empty weight, pilot, and minimum fuel. Additional
components, including added fuel and oil, were installed to enhance
the design's forward weight. Because of the symmetry of the plane
in the top view, the center of gravity of the components was
calculated using Equation (1), which falls along the x-axis from the
datum line. Figure 4 illustrates the most forward loading Figure 5. Most Forward Loading Configuration C.G. Location (scale
configuration point of mass location of VOLT S-5. 2:1)

3.1.2.2 Group Weight Statement Figure 5 shows the Most Forward Loading Weight C.G.
Table 9. Group Weight Statement of Items Needed for Flight Location of VOLT S-5 which has a centroidal distance (x̄) of 1.6371
m. The center of gravity of the most forward loading configuration
was solved with the summation of the weights and moments of the
ITEMS NEEDED FOR FLIGHT
minimum requirement for flight and the additional forward weights.
Component Weight (kg) Location (m) Moment (m-kg) 3.1.3 Most Aft Loading Configuration

Empty Weight 517.2267 1.5895 822.1218 3.1.3.1 Point of Mass Location

Pilot 100.0000 1.6135 161.3500

Minimum Fuel 34.6702 1.9211 66.6049

Σ 651.8969 1.6108 1050.0767

Table 10. Group Weight Statement of Added Components and Most

Forward Loading Configuration

MOST FORWARD LOADING CONFIGURATION

Added Component Weight Location Moment (m-

(kg) (m) kg)

Items Needed 651.8969 1.6108 1050.0767

Added Fuel 65.0678 1.9211 125.0018 Figure 6. Most Aft Loading Configuration Point of Mass Location (scale
2:1)
Oil 1.7335 0.8675 1.5038

5
 The most aft loading configuration's point of mass location is 3.1.4 Gross Weight
mainly composed of the minimum requirements for flight, which
3.1.4.1 Point of Mass Location
include the empty weight, pilot, and minimum fuel. The weight of
the baggage was also included to maximize the design's aft weight.
Because of the symmetry of the plane in the top view, the center of
gravity of the components was calculated using Equation (1), which
falls along the x-axis from the datum line. Figure 6 illustrates the
most aft loading configuration point of mass location of VOLT S-5.

3.1.3.2 Group Weight Statement

Table 11. Group Weight Statement of Most Aft Loading Configuration

MOST AFT LOADING CONFIGURATION

Component Weight Location Moment (m-

(kg) (m) kg)

Items Needed 651.8969 1.6108 1050.0767

Baggage 20.0000 2.0700 41.4000 Figure 8. Gross Weight Point of Mass Location (scale 2:1)

MOST AFT The point of mass locations of the gross weight is composed of
LOADING 671.8969 1.6245 1091.4767
the component weights (Structural, Powerplant, Equipment, and
CONFIGURATION
Useful Loads). The center of gravity of the components were solved
using Equation (1) which falls along the x axis from the datum line,
The weight included in Table 11 was obtained from the partial
this is due to the symmetry of the plane in the top view. Figure 8
group statement in the Technical Report No.4. Aft weights of the
shows the gross weight point of mass location of VOLT S-5.
design were maximized to solve for the most aft loading
configuration. The moment is then solved using Equation (2). This 3.1.4.2 Group Weight Statement
resulted in a weight of 671.90 kg and a moment weight of 1091.48
m-kg. The location or centroidal was computed by using Equation Table 12. Group Weight Statement of Useful Loads and Total Gross Weight
(1), yielding a value of 1.63 m.
USEFUL LOADS
3.1.3.3 Center of Gravity Location
Component Weight (kg) Location (m) Moment (m-kg)

Passenger 136.2873 1.6135 219.8996

Pilot 100.0000 1.6135 161.3500

Baggage 20.0000 2.0700 41.4000

Fuel 34.6702 1.9211 66.6049

Oil 1.7335 0.8675 1.5038

Σ 292.6910 1.6767 490.7599

TOTAL
EMPTY 517.2267 1.5895 822.1218
WEIGHT

TOTAL
Figure 7. Most Aft Loading Configuration C.G. Location (scale 2:1) GROSS 809.9177 1.6210 1312.8817
WEIGHT

Figure 7 illustrates the Most Aft Loading Weight C.G. Location

The weight included in Table 12 was obtained from the partial
of VOLT S-5 which has a centroidal distance (x̄) of 1.6245 m. The
group statement in the Technical Report No. 4. The summation of
center of gravity of the most aft loading configuration was solved
empty weights and moments were added to the weight and moment
with the summation of the weights and moments of the minimum
of the useful group to obtain the maximum weight of the design. The
requirement for flight and baggage as the aft weights.
moment is then solved using Equation (2). This resulted in a total
gross weight of 809.92 kg and a moment weight of 1312.88 m-kg.
The location or centroidal was computed by using Equation (1),
yielding a value of 1.62 m.

6
3.1.4.3 Center of Gravity Location
Figure 9. Gross Weight C.G. Location (scale 2:1)
Figure 9 illustrates the Gross Weight C.G. Location of VOLT S-
5 which has a centroidal distance (x̄) of 1.6210 m. The center of
gravity of the total gross weight was solved with the summation of
the weights and moments of the component weights (structural,
powerplant, equipment, and useful loads).
3.2 C.G. Envelope and C.G. Limits
Figure 10. VOLT S-5 C.G. Envelope
The CG envelope is an enclosed region on a graph of the
airplane's loaded weight and the loaded moment that shows the
weight and location of VOLT S-5's most forward and most aft
loading. The airplane is appropriately loaded if the lines are drawn
from the weight and loaded moment intersect inside this envelope.
The envelope's top reflects the aircraft's gross weight/maximum
takeoff weight. The upper section of the envelope is likewise the site
of the greatest aft loading in this example. The graph also includes
VOLT S-5's weight and whereabouts. The mass numbers are 809.92
kg for the gross weight, 718.70 kg for the most forward loading
configuration weight, 671.90 kg for the most aft loading
configuration weight, and 517.23 kg for the empty weight, all
measured in kilograms, kg.
The researchers obtained the C.G. Limits of the designed aircraft
by integrating the C.G. Limits of a similar type aircraft named Piper
PA-38. The data was taken from the Type Certificate Data Sheets
(TCDS) of Piper PA-38. The values taken were in meters and were
converted to millimeters, mm. The C.G. of the empty weight, most
forward loading configuration, most aft loading configuration, and
gross weight were plotted with the gross weight taking the maximum
weight of the design (horizontal blue line), the %MAC were then
obtained using AutoCAD. With the C.G. envelope shown in Figure
10, the researchers can conclude that the design’s center of gravity
is within limits throughout the flight.
4 Conclusion
Knowing your airplane's center of gravity is one of the most
critical factors to consider while flying a trainer plane; weight and
balance have a substantial impact on flight operations and are
necessary for safe airplane operation. Throughout all stages of flight,
the center of gravity must remain within its normal and established
boundaries. If the weight distribution changes throughout the flight,
the center of gravity will vary. The importance of locating the center
of gravity in allowing an airplane to fly cannot be overstated. Pilots
must be aware of the relevance of the aircraft's weight, therefore
VOLT S-5's condition will be checked during the flight. Without
sufficient awareness of the situation, not only are costs at risk, but
also the lives of all those involved in the event of an unfortunate
event.
This study focuses on the weight acting on VOLT S-5, which is
quantified in kilograms. The empty weight center of gravity is
derived at each weighing site by combining the predicted moments,
the computed empty weight. Each aircraft component is critical to
determining the center of gravity. From the datum line to the needed
item, the designers used AutoCAD Software to determine the mass
and gravity location of each part of the airplane, as well as the empty
weight, aft loading configuration, forward loading configuration,
and gross weight. The calculations for takeoff gross weight require
two variables to answer. Total Empty Weight and Useful Load Total
Weight have values of 517.23 kg and 292.69 kg, respectively,
resulting in a takeoff gross weight of 809.9177 kg.
5 References
Gudmundsson, S. (2019). General Aviation Aircraft Design:
Applied Methods and Procedures (2nd ed.) [E-book]. Elsevier.
Retrieved April 12, 2019, from
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=VXcrEAAAQBAJ&pri
ntsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Raymer, D. P. (n.d.). Aircraft design: a conceptual approach.
Conceptual Research Corporation, Playa del Rey, California.
Retrieved February 27, 2022