Timex - re C of G
Can't see why you are worrying, Gazelle, Lynx, Wessex, Sea King etc etc and numerous other types seem to have managed so I don't see why the 902 won't.
Interesting that you compare such aircraft to the 902, from a C of G standpoint.
In turn
- Gazelle, very low C of G, albeit on a fairly narrow track skid, but never used "properly" (i.e. over the ocean) as a ship-borne aircraft, rather used from Amphibious Decks, and therefore close to shore without a lot of deck movement.
- Lynx - really low C of G, fabulous "flat" gearbox, sub-min pitch, harpoon and tricycle undercarriage with massive shock absorbtion ability - ideally suited for big ocean, small shipborne operations & embarrassed to be compared to a 902 in this role!
- Wessex - engines in the chin gave it a much lower C of G than might be expected from just looking at it. Tricycle undercarriage and well able to handle ship ops, though generally operated from larger vessels and, apart from the Mk3, more often used close to shore for Amphibious Ops.
- Sea King - Queen of Ocean ops for over 40 years, generally operated from larger decks and not worth comparing to a 902 either!
Overall, comparisons, on the grounds of top-heaviness should probably not be made with any of the mentioned aircraft, all which have all proved themselves many times over in every role they've been called upon to perform, and many others they've found themselves in. The comparator, on the other hand, despite being a generation or two "ahead" of the four types mentioned, will take many years to be regarded in a similar light, I'd provocatively suggest!!
