What can cause the center of gravity to shift during landing gear retraction?

The center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft can be influenced by various factors, particularly during events such as landing gear retraction. When the landing gear retracts, it effectively alters the distribution of weight and the configuration of the aircraft, leading to a potential shift in the center of gravity.

Firstly, weight distribution changes occur as components of the landing gear are stowed away. The landing gear itself, which represents a significant portion of the aircraft's weight, transitions from being part of the aircraft's external load to being housed internally. This movement can cause a shift in CG depending on how weight is distributed along the aircraft's longitudinal and lateral axes.

Additionally, the configuration of the aircraft is modified when the landing gear is retracted. The aerodynamic profile of the aircraft improves as it becomes more streamlined, which can also have implications for weight distribution and balance regarding forces acting on the aircraft during flight.

Moreover, changes in aerodynamic forces take place as the landing gear is retracted. With the landing gear deployed, there is additional drag acting on the aircraft, which is alleviated once the gear is stowed. This alteration can lead to variations in lift and drag that influence how the aircraft handles and can impact the operational weight distribution across different components.