QB_AE_FLIGHT_003 Section Question Bank NAT · 1 Mark
Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics • Atmospheric Flight Mechanics • Climb, Glide, Ceiling & Turn Performance

A fighter aircraft executes a coordinated steady level turn at a constant bank angle $\phi = 60^\circ$. What is the structural load factor $n$ experienced by the aircraft?

Answer Key:
2.0

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

### 5-Stage Derivation & Analytical Solution: 1. **Stage 1: Equilibrium Equations:** Vertical equilibrium requires $L \cos\phi = mg = W$. 2. **Stage 2: Load Factor Definition:** $n = \frac{L}{W} = \frac{1}{\cos\phi}$. 3. **Stage 3: Numerical Evaluation:** For $\phi = 60^\circ$, $\cos(60^\circ) = 0.5$, so $n = 1 / 0.5 = 2.0$. 4. **Stage 4: Final Value:** 2.0.
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