Loading & Performance

The relationship between the aircraft's total weight and the distribution of that weight, which together determine how the aircraft handles and whether it remains within safe operating limits.

The point at which the aircraft's total weight is considered to be concentrated and around which it would balance; the point about which the aircraft pitches, rolls, and yaws.

A shifting load moves the center of gravity, upsetting the balance the flight controller expects and forcing motors to compensate, which degrades stability and control and can cause loss of control.

The aircraft becomes harder to control; the flight controller and motors must work continuously to counter the imbalance, reducing control authority and possibly making the drone unflyable.

Mounting the payload near the CG keeps the aircraft balanced, preserving stability and control and minimizing the corrective work the motors must do.

An unbalanced load places weight unevenly about the CG, so some motors must produce more thrust than others to stay level; this wastes battery, stresses motors, and reduces stability.