The maximum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) refers to the highest achievable efficiency of an aircraft or other flying object in generating lift relative to the amount of drag it produces. It represents the optimal configuration or operating point at which the object generates the most lift for the least amount of drag. The concept of maximum L/D is fundamental in aerodynamics and plays a crucial role in determining the best performance and efficiency of an aircraft.Â
(Maximum L/D) = (CL/CD)maxÂ
- (CL/CD)max is the maximum lift-to-drag ratio.
- e is the Oswald efficiency factor, which represents the span efficiency of the aircraft (a measure of how much lift-induced drag is produced).
- AR is the aspect ratio of the aircraft’s wings (the ratio of wingspan to mean chord).
- CD,o is the zero-lift drag coefficient, which quantifies the drag of the aircraft when it is not generating lift.