CG Station for Tip Tanks?

[EnDSchultz]

Given the incredible CG sensitivity of the Bonanza, it is rather tragic that the current manual doesn't include any way to factor in tip tank fuel. Has anyone found a source indicating the effect of tip tanks on the CG?

I never really bothered much with CG calculations in the Comanche since it was so rock solid and probably within limits no matter how you loaded it. And, with all the almost innumerable combinations of tip tanks and various options like soundproofing, fairings, stabilator tips, etc, it would have been a nightmare to try and factor them all in.

But the Bonanza only really has the option of either the 520 or and the 550 engine, and the tip tanks. Would be good to have an approximation (even if only a guestimate) of how each of these options affects the empty weight and CG.

[canuck]

But the Bonanza only really has the option of either the 520 or and the 550 engine, and the tip tanks. Would be good to have an approximation (even if only a guestimate) of how each of these options affects the empty weight and CG.

Agreed.. I built a spread sheet so I could establish baseline loading that I could use and be confident with WB in a gas and go op.. Used 'Basic Empty Condition' weight and arm from the sample loading in documentation [pg 89] 2088 and 77.9.. But when I empty the aircraft using 'Payload and Fuel manager', I get a weight of 2302 (with zero fuel and no payload); if I add tip tanks, that increases to 2309.. I'm sure that the tip tanks weigh more than that .. If I change to the IO 550 there is no weight change at all..

BUT, I can sure see where you can get yourself off the AFT limit when landing due to fuel consumption !

I'm not sure, but changing WB with addition of tip tanks and change of engine might require additional model work for very little change in handling.. I found a loading profile that will keep me in the sweet spot of CG for all fuel loads, and notice no WB effect with or without 'tip tanks', or a change to/from the IO 550..

Another A2A winner to add to my hangar.. Many thanks to everyone that brought this to our community..

Glenn Reed

[AKar]

Tip tanks are rather light and add a little. I'd estimate the entire setup to be around 20...30 lbs. Note that they replace the factory standard wing tip fairing which also weighs some.

The weight change with the engine is almost negligible. Actually, I think remembering the IO-550-B is a tad lighter from the two.

-Esa

[canuck]

Thanks for the info Esa.. Always good to know the facts ..

[skyhawkii]

I asked myself the same. If you install the tip tanks you get a flight manual supplement where the CG changes are described. This is the flight manual supplement of the D'Shannon tip tanks used at the A2A Bonanza:
https://www.d-shannon-aviation.com/imag ... SAMPLE.pdf

The tanks seem to be pretty neutral on the CG range. You still got the same small cg range at 3600 lbs mtov that you got at 3400 lbs mtov (without tip tanks).

[Les Parson]

I joined the ABS (American Bonanza Society) the other day and there is quite a bit of info there. My question - is the A2A version D'Shannon or Osborne?

[Les Parson]

I asked myself the same. If you install the tip tanks you get a flight manual supplement where the CG changes are described. This is the flight manual supplement of the D'Shannon tip tanks used at the A2A Bonanza:
https://www.d-shannon-aviation.com/imag ... SAMPLE.pdf

The tanks seem to be pretty neutral on the CG range. You still got the same small cg range at 3600 lbs mtov that you got at 3400 lbs mtov (without tip tanks).

Apologies, I failed to realize you answered the question:

"D'Shannon tip tanks used at the A2A Bonanza"

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

For Bonanza's - one of the slickest tools I've ever come across - for the iPad and FREE... Seems to have your tips included...

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bonanza-p ... d910038344

Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Here's a screenshot:



Regards,
Scott

[skyhawkii]

Hi Scott,

thanks, this tool is awesome!

[scottb613]

Hi Scott,

thanks, this tool is awesome!

I must have been disconnected when I setup the flight illustrated above - it normally picks and displays best runway for winds...

Happy to help - yeah - I thought it was pretty darn good as well - they seem to have i for TBM's, Barrons, and Skyhawks too...


Regardsm
Scott

[Paughco]

That's nice, but all us doctors are way too busy to look at that stuff. We just get in our Bonanzas and go!

--------------------

Just kidding! I like that program. Thank you for posting!

Seeya
ATB

[MkIV Hvd]

That's nice, but all us doctors are way too busy to look at that stuff. We just get in our Bonanzas and go!

Just kidding! I like that program. Thank you for posting!

Looks amazing...don't have the Bonanza...yet......

[skyhawkii]

This is pretty interesting stuff. I played around a little bit with this app to figure out witch payload variations are possible with the Bo. Espacially with the 200 lbs gross weight increase provided by the tip tank installation. In my conclusion the only way to access the additional gross weight is putting fuel in the tips. With empty tips I'm not able to use it as additional payload behind the front seats because the C/G moves out of envelope. The Bo is a great airplane but you have to be careful loading it due to its small C/G range at higher gross weights.