Mechanical stability Unstable 

Stable  Fx<0 Fx>0

Fx>0 Fx<0

Force Fx Force Fx

Displacement Displacement

Revision 2.1 – Copyright A. Deperrois - November 2010

 Aerodynamic stability
Stable  Unstable 

CG NP

Cm (Pitch moment)
Cm (Pitch moment)

Angle of Angle of
attack α attack α

Revision 2.1 – Copyright A. Deperrois - November 2010

 Understanding the polars Cm = f(α) and Cl = f(Cm)
Note : Valid only for a whole plane or a flying wing
Cm = 0  balance
Cm Cl Cl > 0  the model flies !

α Cm0 Cm

Cm = 0 = balance
= plane's operating point

For information only :

Cm0 = Moment
Negative slope = Stability coefficient at zero-lift
The curve's slope is also the strength of the
stabilizing force
 High slope = Stable sailplane !

Revision 2.1 – Copyright A. Deperrois - November 2010