Cruise Speed for Maximum Endurance () is the airspeed at which an aircraft can achieve its maximum endurance, which is the ability to remain in the air for the longest possible time while consuming the least amount of fuel. This is an important parameter in aircraft design, especially for missions that require extended loitering or endurance, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol missions.
The formula for calculating is as follows:
- is the cruise speed for maximum endurance (typically in meters per second or feet per second).
- is the aircraft’s weight (typically in newtons or pounds-force).
- is the air density (typically in kilograms per cubic meter or slugs per cubic foot).
- is the wing’s reference area (typically in square meters or square feet).
- is the lift coefficient for maximum endurance (a dimensionless coefficient).