The rate of pitch (p) represents the angular velocity of the aircraft’s pitch motion. It measures how quickly the aircraft is rotating about its lateral (pitch) axis. Pitch rate is typically expressed in radians per second (rad/s) or degrees per second (deg/s).
- Np: This represents the yawing moment due to the rate of pitch. It quantifies the rotational force or moment around the aircraft’s vertical (yaw) axis resulting from changes in the rate of pitch (p).
- Q: This term represents the dynamic pressure of the air. It is given by Q = 0.5 * ρ * V^2, where ρ is the air density and V is the true airspeed of the aircraft. Dynamic pressure is a measure of the kinetic energy of the air due to the aircraft’s motion through it.
- Sb: Typically, this represents the vertical tail’s side area. It is a measure of the effective area of the vertical tail that interacts with the sideslip airflow. It is typically measured in square meters (m²).
- Cnp: This is the aerodynamic coefficient related to the change in yawing moment (N) with respect to the rate of pitch (p). It quantifies how the aircraft’s yawing moment changes as the rate of pitch changes. It is dimensionless.
- Izz: This represents the moment of inertia of the aircraft about the yaw axis (the yawing moment of inertia). It quantifies the aircraft’s resistance to yawing motion and is typically measured in kilograms square meters (kg·m²).
- uo: This could represent the longitudinal velocity of the aircraft, often referred to as the “true airspeed” (TAS) or “airspeed.” It is measured in meters per second (m/s)