How do the center of gravity (CG) ranges differ between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters?

In helicopters, the center of gravity (CG) location is indeed much more critical compared to fixed-wing aircraft. This is primarily due to the unique flight dynamics and operating characteristics of helicopters.

Helicopters rely heavily on rotor dynamics, and a shifting CG can significantly affect their stability and control. For instance, if the CG is too far forward or aft, it can lead to undesirable flight characteristics, such as difficulties in maintaining controlled flight or increased susceptibility to dynamic maneuvers. Additionally, helicopters often require more precise CG management to ensure safe hovering and low-speed maneuvers since they operate in a three-dimensional space, which makes any deviations in CG more pronounced.

In contrast, while CG is also important in fixed-wing aircraft, they generally have a wider range of acceptable CG locations due to their inherent aerodynamic stability. Fixed-wing aircraft are designed to naturally correct for some CG variations during flight, whereas helicopters do not have this same degree of stability, making precise CG placement critical for safe operation.

Therefore, the focus on maintaining a proper CG location is essential for helicopter safety and performance, highlighting why it is much more critical compared to fixed-wing aircraft.