In flight mechanics, “Liftoff Distance” refers to the distance an aircraft requires to become airborne from the start of the takeoff run. It’s a critical parameter that depends on various factors such as aircraft characteristics, weight, speed, and environmental conditions. Pilots and engineers analyze liftoff distance to ensure that the aircraft can safely and efficiently become airborne during takeoff. The formula to calculate the Liftoff distance as follows:
Where:
- LOD is the Liftoff distance in m.
- W is the Aircraft weight in N.
- g is the gravity in m/s2.
- ρ∞ is the density in kg/m3
- S is the Wing reference area in m2.
- CLmax is the Maximum coefficient of lift.
- T is the Thrust in N.