Long Distance Plane

[Hotel26]

8 hours ago, swjr-swis said:

the CoL ends up considerably more forward than the theory would have us expect, either almost right on top or even in front of the CoM

^^ this

You've built a borderline/neutrally stable plane that relies on the natural weather-vaning of the empennage at lower speeds (while climbing) to keep it in a naturally-steady, efficient climb and stays stable at high-altitude in cruise because the lift-generating power there is only exactly enough to support the weight of the machine.

You've got a stealthy Burt Rutan style design (carefully-tuned, high performance)!  Careful flying makes this work.  Detuning control authority would help prevent accidents, too, I think (although I can't recall ever seeing a machine of yours with the control authorities touched).  Trim position in steady flight has to be the most accurate indication of balance there is?  Additionally, your approach to aerodynamics is very much like the Wright Brothers (meant as a huge compliment).  What actually works in KSP is what actually matters.

It seems that, for endurance, what matters is: a) efficiency at cruise and b) the highest cruise altitude compatible with engine performance...?

Edited August 23, 2020 by Hotel26

[Spricigo]

My 0,02 in regards of elevators vs canards:

The idea that one is dramaticaly superior to the other  don't hold waters. Is not what we see in challanges, shared crafts and general experience with the game. People come up with a lot of "reasons" why their prefered method is better but if a difference in performance realy exist no one was capable of demonstrate it yet.