Minimum velocity in flight mechanics, denoted as , refers to the lowest speed an aircraft can maintain without stalling or descending. It is crucial for safety, particularly during takeoff and landing. This parameter is often associated with stall speed or the minimum steady flight speed required for level flight. A higher Vmin typically leads to increased wing loading, while a lower Vmin is associated with reduced wing loading, impacting the aircraft’s maneuverability and performance at slower speeds. The formula to calculate minimum velocity as follows:
Where:
- W/S is the Wing Loading in Pa
- ρ is the Density in kg/m3.
- CL is the Lift Coefficient.