Electric Aircraft Handling Qualities: Why Battery Positioning Matters

Advancements in battery energy storage, electrical energy conversion, and power electronics have spurred research and development of electrified aircraft systems. Many of these aircraft possess novel configurations for which traditional stability guidelines, such as tail volume coefficients, may not apply. In addition, the influence of battery location, which still struggles with low energy and power densities, on the flight performance of such unconventional aircraft remains understudied. This paper seeks to address these two shortcomings by employing a physics-based approach to estimate weight and inertia properties, coupled with a perturbation Vortex Lattice Method, to create a framework for assessing stability and control. Validation against experimental data and literature first demonstrates the accuracy of the developed methodology. Then it is used to examine the sensitivity of energy source placement on the stability of select conventional takeoff and landing configurations in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration Regulations and United States Air Force Specifications.