Final answer:
Permanent ballast in an aircraft refers to the fixed weight or mass that helps maintain the center of gravity and stability during flight. It is strategically placed to offset imbalances caused by other heavy components, such as engines or cargo.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of an aircraft, permanent ballast refers to the fixed weight or mass that is intentionally installed in the structure to maintain a desired center of gravity. It is used to balance the weight distribution of the aircraft and ensure stability during flight.
An example of permanent ballast in an aircraft is the lead weight that is built into the nose or tail section. This weight is strategically placed to offset any imbalance caused by the position of other heavy components, such as engines or cargo, in order to achieve the proper center of gravity.
Permanent ballast is a crucial design consideration in aircraft engineering to ensure safe and stable flight performance.