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Thread: What is the weight for VH ?

  1. #11

    VH varies with Gross Weight

    Quote Originally Posted by wantobe View Post
    VH is defined as the maximum speed in level flight with the maximum continuous power at sea level. What is the weight of the aircraft for VH? Is it that of an empty aircraft with a skinny pilot and minimal fuel ? or MTOW(Maximum Takeoff Weight) ? or any weight between these two extremes?
    VH is a limit not a spec. For a given airframe: A higher GW will normally give you a lower VH. So if you must exceed FAA Gross (may be legal on international ferry flights, etc.) then lower your VH. Check the data sheets for the airframe in question.

  2. #12

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    2,236
    Weight is only one factor in all speeds to be determined.

    Leaving props and engines out of it, configuration and construction matter.

    There is little design difference between the Airdrome Morane and the Airdrome Nieuport 11 - except one is a high wing monoplane and the other a biplane with a bunch of wires hanging out all over it.

    With the same engine/prop combo the VH is going to be higher in the Morane, as the sustained continous power that is healthy for the engine isn't fighting all the drag of the biplane.

    But let's not throw props out; the pitch of a prop (climbing versus cruise) really do matter. If one gets the prop carved for climbing it's at the sacrifice of cruise speed....

    VH is one of those things that come out for real in Phase I testing....
    The opinions and statements of this poster are largely based on facts and portray a possible version of the actual events.

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