In aircraft design and performance calculations, the “maximum flight speed” () during steady level flight is the highest speed an aircraft can attain while maintaining level flight, where lift equals weight and thrust equals drag. This speed represents a critical parameter for aircraft design and operation.
The formula for calculating the maximum flight speed () is somewhat simplified for explanation but can be more complex in practice, depending on specific aircraft characteristics and design considerations. Here’s a basic formula:
- is the maximum flight speed (typically in meters per second or feet per second).
- is the weight of the aircraft (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 maximum coefficient of drag, which corresponds to the drag at maximum speed (dimensionless).
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