The takeoff distance of an aircraft is the distance it requires to accelerate from a standstill on the runway to a specified speed and become airborne. It is a critical parameter in aircraft design and operation, as it determines the runway length needed for a safe takeoff.
The formula for calculating takeoff distance () is complex and involves various factors. Here’s a simplified version of the formula, which provides an overview:
- is the takeoff distance (in meters or feet).
- is the takeoff speed (in meters per second or feet per second).
- is the gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.81 m/s² or 32.2 ft/s²).
- is the thrust-to-weight ratio (dimensionless).
- is the coefficient of friction of the runway (dimensionless).