What happens to the stall speed as the center of gravity moves forward?

When the center of gravity (CG) moves forward in an aircraft, the stall speed tends to increase. This phenomenon occurs due to the changes in the aircraft's pitch characteristics and aerodynamics.

When the CG is more forward, the aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight. This is because the stability of the aircraft is affected; a more forward CG makes the aircraft more stable and less maneuverable, which can result in a higher stall speed. If the aircraft is flown at a higher angle of attack to maintain controlled flight, it will reach the critical angle of attack—where stall occurs—at a higher airspeed.

Additionally, the forward CG alters the loading on the wings, leading them to stall at a higher speed. A lower stall speed might be indicative of the aircraft's ability to be more maneuverable, while with a forward CG, the increased stall speed indicates a more stable but less agile flight characteristic.

In summary, as the center of gravity shifts forward, the aerodynamic requirements of the aircraft demand a higher airspeed to avoid stalling, thereby increasing the stall speed.