Touchdown velocity in flight mechanics refers to the speed at which an aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing. It is influenced by factors such as aircraft type, configuration, wind conditions, weight, and pilot technique. Balancing these elements is crucial to ensure a safe and controlled landing. Pilots aim to touch down at an appropriate speed, avoiding hard landings and ensuring adherence to performance limits. The formula to calculate Touchdown velocity as follows:
Where:
- VT is the Touchdown Velocity in m/s.
- W is the weight in N.
- ρ∞ is the density in kg/m3.
- S is the Reference area in m2.
- CLmax is Maximum lift coefficient.