The rate of climb refers to the vertical speed at which an aircraft gains altitude. It is usually measured in feet per minute (ft/min) or meters per second (m/s). Rate of climb is a critical parameter in aviation, as it affects the aircraft’s performance, fuel consumption, and ability to clear obstacles during takeoff and climb phases. The formula to calculate Rate of climb is as follows:
Where:
- V∞ is the velocity in m/s,
- T is the Thrust in N,
- D is the Drag in N.
- W is the Weight in N.