The weight of an aircraft is the force exerted by gravity on the mass of the entire aircraft, including its structure, fuel, payload, and equipment. It is a critical parameter in aviation, affecting the aircraft’s performance, stability, and the forces required for takeoff and landing. The balance between the aircraft’s weight and lift generated by its wings is essential for maintaining controlled flight. The formula to calculate Weight from Excess power is as follows:Â
Where:
- : weight of the aircraft (Newtons or pounds).
- : Excess power (Watts or Joules per second). This is the surplus power available beyond what is required for level flight.
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: The rate at which the aircraft is ascending or descending, usually measured in meters per second or feet per minute.