relaxed static stability

The operation of an aircraft at the center of gravity aft of the neutral point where the airplane has a negative static margin. The neutral point is that point along the path of the center-of-gravity movement where the stick force per knot drops to zero and increases in either direction. The distance between the center of gravity and the neutral point is called the static margin and is said to be positive if the center of gravity is ahead of the neutral point and negative if it is aft of the neutral point. Flying an aircraft with relaxed static stability means better cruise performance, reduced stick force to maintain a new speed without retrimming, and better maneuverability at higher altitudes. Stability augmentation devices are fitted in most aircraft with relaxed static stability. Most modern combat aircraft have negative static stability, which makes them highly maneuverable. Also called the reduced static longitudinal static stability.