Available power in flight mechanics refers to the maximum power that an aircraft’s propulsion system can generate. It represents the total power output available for sustaining flight and overcoming aerodynamic drag. The available power is a key parameter for understanding an aircraft’s performance capabilities, and it is influenced by the efficiency of the engine or propulsion system. The formula to calculate the power available as follows:
where:Â
- is the available power in hp,
- is the overall efficiency of the propulsion system,
- is the shaft power generated by the engine in hp.