Staggerwing C of G

[callmeishmael]

Anyone have any insight into calculating the Center of Gravity for a staggerwing bipe. Yes, I'm CAD drawing a set of plans for a flwing wing bipe with negatively staggered wings. I have a rough idea of how C of G is calculated for models of the Beechcraft Model 17 staggerwing but I'd sure like to be more certain before I maiden the thing.
Thanks,
Dennis

[flypaper 2]

Dennis:
Looking down on the planform, the two wings will look like one very wide wing. CG would be roughly 1/3 of the chord measured from the front of the bottom wing to the trailing edge of the top wing. Hope this is understandable. Works for both stagger positions, top wing forward or lower wing forward. If its sweptback you'll have to find the MAC. Mean aerodynamic chord.I have a drawing if you need to find that too.

[callmeishmael]

Many thanks! Your explanation is perfectly clear - and very much of a relief! I did some research but the pages I found lapsed very quickly into math that was beyond my meager abilities. MAC is easy to find on the plans I am drawing because the wings, although swept, are constant chord.

[flypaper 2]

I know what you're saying. Where were the pocket calculators when I went to school:p

[callmeishmael]

Shucks, I still have my Pickett log-log-trig sliderule. :D