Question

Would it be beneficial for the pilot to control the position of action of these principal forces? What positions are controllable? What would happen if all the forces were concentrated in the centre of mass all the time? Would this affect the ability to manoeuvre the aircraft?

Answer 1

The principal forces in an aircraft are thrust,weight , lift and drag.

The balance between these forces is what helps in controling the aircraft.

So, beign able to control their action positions would be beneficial for the pilot.

The weight and lift of an aircraft can not be controlled easily. (Weight is sometiems controlled by dumping fuel)

The thrust is the force provided by the engines. By being able to control the point o action of thrust, the plane can be turned easily.

By controling the action point of drag, the plane can be moved up or down.

If all the forces are concentrated at a single point at all times, the aircraft direction can not be controlled.

It will only move in a straight path and will move up or down, based on the wind speed.