Angle of Attack for F-117A at 30,000ft and 400kts: 0.648

  • Thread starter Thread starter jd3005
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Angle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The F-117A requires an angle of attack of 0.648 to maintain equilibrium in straight and level flight at an altitude of 30,000 feet while cruising at 400 knots. This calculation is based on the lift equation where the aircraft's weight of 52,500 pounds is balanced by the lift generated, considering the air density of 0.000889 at FL300 and a wing area of 1,140 square feet. The coefficient of lift (CL) is determined to be 0.648, which is essential for achieving the necessary lift to counteract the aircraft's weight.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the lift equation: L = (1/2) d v² s CL
  • Knowledge of air density variations with altitude
  • Familiarity with the concept of angle of attack in aviation
  • Basic principles of aerodynamics and aircraft performance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the I.C.A.O. Standard Atmosphere Table for air density values
  • Learn about the factors affecting the coefficient of lift (CL) for different airfoils
  • Explore the implications of angle of attack on aircraft performance and stability
  • Investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the F-117A and its design features
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, flight instructors, aviation students, and anyone interested in understanding the aerodynamic principles governing the F-117A's flight performance.

jd3005
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
You are flying an F-117A fully equipped, which means that your aircraft weighs 52,500 pounds. You want to maintain equilibrium in straight and level flight at an altitude of 30,000 feet, cruising at 400 knots to conserve fuel. The aircraft's wing area is 1,140 square feet. At what angle of attack should the F-117A be set to maintain equilibrium?
The air density at FL300 is .000889


This was an assignment (independent study) assigned in math. I am working on it however I felt I completed the problem properly, however the answer seems to disagree with me.


L = (1/2) d v2 s CL

* L = Lift, which must equal the airplane's weight in pounds
* d = density of the air. This will change due to altitude. These values can be found in a I.C.A.O. Standard Atmosphere Table.
* v = velocity of an aircraft expressed in feet per second
* s = the wing area of an aircraft in square feet
* CL = Coefficient of lift , which is determined by the type of airfoil and angle of attack.




52,500 = (1/2) (.000889) (400^2 ) (1140) CL

52,500 = (81076.8) CL

0.648 = CL


I'm not concerning significant digits.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Therefore the angle of attack must be 0.648 to maintain equilibrium in straight and level flight at an altitude of 30,000 feet, cruising at 400 knots.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
13K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
18K