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The Total Lift of Wing-Tail Combination represents the complete aerodynamic lifting force generated by an aircraft, combining the lift produced by the main wing and the lift contributed by the tail section. This total lift force is what counteracts the aircraft's weight and enables flight.
The calculator uses the simple addition formula:
Where:
Explanation: The total lift force is simply the sum of the individual lift contributions from the wing and tail sections of the aircraft.
Details: Calculating the total lift is essential for aircraft design, performance analysis, and flight safety. It helps determine if the aircraft can generate sufficient lift to overcome its weight under various flight conditions.
Tips: Enter the lift values for both wing and tail in Newtons. Ensure values are positive and represent accurate measurements or calculations from aerodynamic analysis.
Q1: Why calculate total lift as wing lift plus tail lift?
A: The total aerodynamic lift acting on an aircraft is the sum of all lift-generating surfaces, with the wing providing the majority and the tail contributing additional lift and stability.
Q2: Can tail lift be negative?
A: Yes, in some flight conditions the tail may generate downward force (negative lift) for stability and control purposes.
Q3: How is wing lift typically calculated?
A: Wing lift is usually calculated using the formula: Lw = 0.5 × ρ × V² × S × CL, where ρ is air density, V is velocity, S is wing area, and CL is lift coefficient.
Q4: What factors affect tail lift?
A: Tail lift depends on tail area, angle of attack, airspeed, air density, and the deflection of control surfaces like elevators.
Q5: Is this calculation applicable to all aircraft types?
A: While the basic principle applies to most fixed-wing aircraft, the specific contributions may vary significantly between different aircraft configurations and designs.