Minimum Flight Velocity Calculator

Minimum Flight Velocity Formula:

\[ V_{min} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{W}{S}\right) \times \left(\frac{2}{\rho}\right) \times \left(\frac{1}{C_L}\right)} \]

Aircraft Weight:

Aircraft Gross Wing Area:

m²

Air Density:

kg/m³

Lift Coefficient:

Minimum Flight Velocity:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Minimum Flight Velocity?

Minimum Flight Velocity is the velocity of the aircraft such that air passes over the wings fast enough for the aircraft to sustain constant altitude. It represents the slowest speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Minimum Flight Velocity formula:

\[ V_{min} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{W}{S}\right) \times \left(\frac{2}{\rho}\right) \times \left(\frac{1}{C_L}\right)} \]

Where:

\( V_{min} \) — Minimum Flight Velocity (m/s)
\( W \) — Aircraft Weight (N)
\( S \) — Aircraft Gross Wing Area (m²)
\( \rho \) — Air Density (kg/m³)
\( C_L \) — Lift Coefficient

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum speed required for an aircraft to generate enough lift to counteract its weight, based on wing area, air density, and lift coefficient characteristics.

3. Importance of Minimum Flight Velocity

Details: Understanding minimum flight velocity is crucial for aircraft design, flight safety, and performance analysis. It determines stall speeds, landing/takeoff requirements, and overall aircraft operational limitations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter aircraft weight in Newtons, wing area in square meters, air density in kg/m³, and lift coefficient. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is minimum flight velocity important?
A: It determines the slowest safe flying speed, affecting takeoff/landing distances, stall characteristics, and overall aircraft performance envelope.

Q2: How does air density affect minimum velocity?
A: Lower air density (at higher altitudes) increases minimum velocity since less lift is generated at the same speed.

Q3: What factors can reduce minimum flight velocity?
A: Larger wing area, higher lift coefficient devices (flaps/slats), and reduced aircraft weight can all lower minimum flight velocity.

Q4: How is this different from stall speed?
A: Minimum flight velocity is essentially the stall speed - the speed at which the wing can no longer generate sufficient lift to maintain level flight.

Q5: Can this calculation be used for all aircraft types?
A: While the fundamental physics applies to all aircraft, specific aircraft may have additional factors to consider in practical minimum speed calculations.