The lift coefficient due to the weight (gravity) force, often denoted as Clw, refers to the portion of the lift coefficient that is associated with countering the weight of an aircraft. In flight mechanics and aerodynamics, the lift force generated by the wings helps balance the weight of the aircraft, allowing it to maintain level flight or climb/descent at a constant rate.
- CL0w: Zero-lift coefficient, which is the lift coefficient when the angle of attack (α) is zero. It accounts for any lift generated even when the aircraft is at a neutral angle of attack.
- CLαw: Lift coefficient slope, indicating how the lift coefficient changes with changes in the angle of attack (α).
- α: Angle of attack, the angle between the chord line of an airfoil (such as a wing) and the oncoming airflow.