How does the center of gravity (CG) change when the forward landing gear is retracted up in a forward movement?

When the forward landing gear is retracted during a forward movement, the center of gravity (CG) moves forward. This is because the landing gear is typically located at or near the front of the aircraft, and when it is retracted, the mass distribution shifts.

As the landing gear is lifted into the fuselage, that weight is effectively no longer a part of the aircraft's external profile contributing to its overall center of gravity. Since the forward landing gear is removed from the external structure, and its weight is in a different position relative to the aircraft's overall mass distribution, the CG moves forward in relation to the remaining weight of the aircraft.

In aviation, understanding the movement of the CG is crucial as it influences the aircraft's stability and handling characteristics. A forward movement of the CG can affect flight performance, making the aircraft more stable in certain conditions, but it can also require adjustments in control inputs during flight. Therefore, recognizing how the CG shifts during the retraction of components like landing gear is fundamental for pilots and engineers managing flight dynamics.