Figure 83: Aircraft aerodynamic forces
The amount of available lift influences the aircraft’s maneuvering characteristics. Important indicators
of maneuvering capability are maximum turn rate in the horizontal plane and radius of turn. These
values depend on the aircraft’s indicated air speed, altitude, and its lifting characteristics. Turn rate is
measured in degrees per second. The higher the turn rate, the quicker the aircraft can change its
flight direction. To max-perform your aircraft, you must distinguish between sustained corner velocity
(no speed loss) and instantaneous corner velocity (with speed loss) turn rates. According to these
values, the best aircraft should be characterized by a small turn radius and a high turn-rate over a
broad range of altitudes and speeds.
To Next Page
Loading...