The flight velocity is the maximum horizontal (forward) velocity that an aircraft can achieve in level flight under specific conditions, typically during the cruise phase. It represents the highest speed the aircraft can attain while maintaining a steady level flight without climbing or descending.
The formula for calculating is as follows:
- is the flight velocity for maximum horizontal speed (typically in meters per second or feet per second).
- is the aircraft’s weight (in newtons or pounds-force).
- is the air density (in kilograms per cubic meter or slugs per cubic foot).
- is the wing’s reference area (in square meters or square feet).
- is the minimum drag coefficient (dimensionless) at the specific flight condition.