In flight mechanics, the “vertical force” acting on an aircraft refers to the force that acts vertically, perpendicular to the aircraft’s flight path and the Earth’s surface. This force is essential for maintaining the aircraft’s altitude and controlling its vertical motion, including climbing, descending, and level flight.
- represents the vertical force acting on the aircraft, which is the force perpendicular to the aircraft’s horizontal flight path.
- is the coefficient of lift with respect to the angle of attack (), which characterizes how the lift force changes with changes in angle of attack.
- is the coefficient of drag, which characterizes the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft.
- represents the dynamic pressure of the air.
- is the reference area, often the wing area.
- represents the inverse of the aircraft’s initial mass