Author name: Ravula Nikhil Reddy

The lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) is a measure in aerodynamics that represents the efficiency of an aircraft or an airfoil. It is the ratio of the lift force generated by the wings to the drag force experienced by the aircraft in motion through a fluid, such as air. A higher lift-to-drag ratio indicates more efficient aerodynamic […]

Drag is the aerodynamic force opposing an object’s motion through a fluid, such as air. It acts opposite to the direction of the object’s velocity, reducing its speed or causing resistance. The glide angle has a direct impact on drag force in gliding flight. As the glide angle (θ) increases, the component of lift acting

The Flight Path Angle (FPA) is the angle between an aircraft’s velocity vector and the horizontal plane. It represents the trajectory of the aircraft in three-dimensional space. Positive Flight path angle indicates a climb, negative FPA denotes a descent, and zero Flight path angle corresponds to level flight. FPA is a crucial parameter for understanding

Thrust is the force generated by a propulsion system, typically provided by engines or jet propulsion, to propel an object forward. If excess power increases relative to thrust, the aircraft gains more surplus power for improved climbing and acceleration; a decrease in excess power compared to thrust can hinder these performance aspects. The formula to

The weight of an aircraft is the force exerted by gravity on the mass of the entire aircraft, including its structure, fuel, payload, and equipment. It is a critical parameter in aviation, affecting the aircraft’s performance, stability, and the forces required for takeoff and landing. The balance between the aircraft’s weight and lift generated by

The excess power (Pexcess​) is typically defined as the power available to the aircraft beyond what is needed to maintain level flight. A positive excess power indicates that the aircraft has additional power available, allowing for climbing or accelerating, while a negative excess power suggests that the aircraft is operating at its power limit or

Payload weight in aviation is the total mass of passengers, cargo, and any additional items carried by an aircraft. Calculated by subtracting the empty weight and fuel weight from the gross weight, it represents the useful load that an aircraft can transport. Efficient management of payload is crucial for flight planning, ensuring optimal performance while

The gross weight of an aircraft is the total weight at which it operates, encompassing the empty weight, the weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional items on board, as well as the weight of fuel. It is a crucial parameter for flight planning and performance calculations, ensuring the aircraft remains within its designated operational

The Mach number (M) quantifies an object’s speed relative to the speed of sound. It is calculated as the ratio of the object’s velocity to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. An increase in the heat capacity ratio raises the speed of sound, potentially decreasing the Mach number  as it becomes more influenced

The normal force coefficient (CZ) is a dimensionless parameter in aerodynamics that characterizes the lift generated by an airfoil or wing. It expresses the efficiency of lift production by relating the lift force to the dynamic pressure of the airflow and the reference area of the object. It enables a standardized comparison of the lift