The maximum load factor of an aircraft is a measure of the maximum aerodynamic force that the aircraft can sustain before reaching its structural limit. It represents the ratio of the maximum aerodynamic lift force to the weight of the aircraft. In simpler terms, the maximum load factor indicates the maximum amount of force that the aircraft can withstand during flight without experiencing structural failure or loss of control.
Where:
- is the maximum load factor (dimensionless),
- is the air density at an altitude (in kilograms per cubic meter),
- is the velocity of the aircraft at an altitude (in meters per second),
- is the maximum lift coefficient (dimensionless),
- is the weight of the aircraft (in newtons),
- is the wing area (in square meters).
- W/S is the wing loading (in N/m2)