In aircraft design and aviation, the term “climb rate” or “rate of climb” is used to describe how quickly an aircraft can ascend vertically. It’s a measure of the aircraft’s ability to gain altitude over time.
The formula for calculating the climb rate is as follows:
- Rate of Climb is the climb rate, typically measured in feet per minute (ft/min) or meters per second (m/s).
- Thrust is the forward force generated by the aircraft’s engines.
- Drag is the aerodynamic resistance that opposes the aircraft’s motion.
- Weight is the gravitational force acting on the aircraft.