What is the aerodynamic center?

The aerodynamic center is defined as a fixed point on the aircraft, specifically the wing, where the lift force is considered to act. This point remains constant regardless of changes in the angle of attack, making it a crucial concept in understanding the stability and control of an aircraft. At the aerodynamic center, the pitching moment about that point remains unchanged with variations in angle of attack, which simplifies analysis when studying aircraft stability.

In contrast to other concepts such as the center of pressure, which can shift according to the angle of attack and affects lift distribution, the aerodynamic center provides a reliable point from which to conduct aerodynamic calculations and predict performance. This characteristic is essential for pilots and engineers in designing aircraft and anticipating how they will behave in flight.