"Robert Moore" wrote in message
. 8...
Larry Dighera wrote

Message-ID:
Actually the best turnaround bank angle (least altitude lost per
degree turned) is slightly above 45 degrees.

Note that all of Lowery's discussions deal with minimizing altitude
loss during a "loss of power return to the field". This is not the
same as minimizing turn radius in a canyon where altitude loss may
not be a factor and where power is still available to maintain air-
speed during the high-g turn.

Once again, I did not post post anything about a "return to the field"
but simply quoted a highly respected aerodynamics text with regard to
minimizing turn radius.

Bob Moore

Hi Bob;
There's a difference between a fighter turning at Vc (corner velocity) and a
Canyon Turn. Corner provides both maximum turn rate and minimum turn radius
ONLY if maximum available radial g is applied! Below corner the fighter is
aerodynamically limited at the Cl line, and above corner limited by the max
available load factor out to the limit LF.
A Canyon turn isn't a constant altitude turn against a maximum g like a
fighter turning at it's Vc. It's in fact, partly an unloaded turn through
the vertical plane if airspeed has to be bled, or decreasing in altitude
through the steepest part of the bank angle used if initiated below cruise.
These are the subtle differences between these two turns.
Dudley Henriques
International Fighter Pilots Fellowship
Commercial Pilot/ CFI Retired
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