A newbies impression of the 109 and spit

[Crumpp]

the possibility was that the Spitfire flown by NACA was slightly tail heavy.

Operating Notes Spitfire Mk IIa:



Operating Notes warning on the Longitudinal Instability:




NACA on the stall:



NACA on the Longitudinal Instability:



While CG certainly does effect stall onset and characteristics, I am certain the NACA was capable of doing a weight and balance. A new weight and balance would have been a requirement once the aircraft was rigged for testing.

They were very aware of the effect of CG position on stall characteristics too.

Both the stall characteristics and the longitudinal instability are included in the General Operating Notes for the Marks that did not recieve bob weights.