"Forward or Backward?" - Effects of Center of Gravity Position on Gliding Distance of Unpowered Gliders

To investigate how to maximize the gliding distance of unpowered gliders through center of gravity adjustment, this study established a one-dimensional transient mathematical model describing the glider's pitch motion based on fundamental mechanical principles. The actual lift and drag coefficient curves were obtained through experimental testing. Using these empirical curves, the optimal center of gravity position was derived under fixed conditions of launch height, angle, and velocity. The effectiveness of this conclusion was qualitatively verified through final validation experiments.