The loiter weight fraction in flight mechanics represents the proportion of remaining usable fuel weight compared to the initial takeoff weight during an aircraft’s loiter or endurance phase. It is a crucial metric for assessing the efficiency and duration an aircraft can sustain flight before needing to return for refueling. The formula to calculate the loiter friction fraction as follows:
Where:
- E is the endurance in sec
- C is the specific fuel consumption in kg/Ws.
- (L/D)max is the Max lift-to-drag ratio.
- Floiter jet is the Loiter Weight fraction.