Operating mass in aircraft design refers to the total mass of the aircraft in a specific configuration, including all operational equipment, passengers, cargo, and fuel. It’s a crucial parameter used for various performance calculations and flight planning. Here’s the formula, definition, and SI unit for operating mass:
Formula for Operating Mass (OM): The formula for calculating operating mass is the sum of the aircraft’s empty weight (EOW or OEW) and the mass of all items on board, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
- Operating Mass (OM): The total mass of the aircraft in its specific operational configuration, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
- Empty Weight (EOW or OEW): The weight of the aircraft without any payload or fuel, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
- Payload: The combined weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional items carried on board, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
- Fuel: The mass of fuel carried on the aircraft, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).