The thrust required is the force produced by the engines to propel the aircraft through the air, compensating for air friction (drag). The required thrust varies according to the aircraft’s weight and aerodynamic characteristics. Thrust required is the minimum amount of thrust that must be produced by the engines to counteract the drag force acting on the aircraft and keep it moving forward at a constant velocity, altitude, and direction.
Where:
- is the thrust required (in newtons or pounds)
- is the weight of the aircraft (in newtons or pounds)
- is the lift force (in newtons or pounds)
- is the drag force (in newtons or pounds)