The optimal climb speed is the airspeed at which an aircraft achieves its maximum rate of climb. This speed is determined by balancing the thrust and drag forces to attain the steepest ascent possible. The optimal climb speed is crucial during takeoff and initial climb, allowing the aircraft to reach its desired altitude efficiently. The formula for optimal climb speed is often expressed as:
Where:
- is the optimal climb speed,
- is the weight of the aircraft,
- is the air density,
- is the wing reference area,
- is the zero-lift drag coefficient.