Aircraft Turn Radius Calculator

This calculator determines the turn radius of an aircraft based on its airspeed and bank angle. The turn radius is the horizontal distance traveled during a 360-degree turn.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Turn Radius

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Calculation Formula

Turn Radius = (Airspeed × cos(Bank Angle)) / (9.81 × sin(Bank Angle))

Where:
- Turn Radius: Distance in meters
- Airspeed: Aircraft speed in knots
- Bank Angle: Angle of banking in degrees
- 9.81: Acceleration due to gravity in m/s²

Aircraft Turn Radius Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Aircraft Turn Radius Calculator and understand the principles behind the calculations

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the aircraft's airspeed in knots (e.g., 150 knots)
  2. Enter the bank angle in degrees (e.g., 30 degrees)
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the turn radius
  4. The result will be displayed in meters

Understanding Turn Radius

The turn radius is the horizontal distance an aircraft travels during a 360-degree turn. It's an important parameter for pilots to understand aircraft performance during maneuvers.

The formula used in this calculator is derived from basic physics principles:

Turn Radius = (Airspeed × cos(Bank Angle)) / (g × sin(Bank Angle))

Where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).

Practical Applications

  • Planning turning maneuvers in controlled airspace
  • Estimating the space needed to complete a turn
  • Understanding how different bank angles affect turning radius
  • Comparing aircraft performance during turns

Important Notes

This calculator provides a theoretical turn radius. Actual turn radius may vary due to factors such as wind, aircraft configuration, and pilot technique.