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An Application of the Carson Cruise Optimum Airspeed-A Compromise Between Speed and Efficiency
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English
Abstract
It is well known that, for propeller-driven airplanes, maximum fuel economy occurs at maximum L/D ratio. It has been shown that, while the speed for maximum L/D yields the least fuel consumed per unit of distance, there is also a speed for the least fuel per unit of velocity, essentially, the best compromise between speed and fuel economy. This paper presents a simple method to predict this optimum airspeed in terms of calibrated airspeed. In this form, it is only a function of gross weight and could easily be made available in operating handbooks in the form of two-dimensional charts. It is shown that the optimum airspeeds for the range of normal operating gross weights requires fairly normal cruise power settings. The study further describes a simple, straightforward method of arriving at the relationship of cruise optimum airspeed in terms of maximum L/D speed.
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Citation
Smith, H., "An Application of the Carson Cruise Optimum Airspeed-A Compromise Between Speed and Efficiency," SAE Technical Paper 850867, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/850867.Also In
References
- Carson, B. H. “Fuel Efficiency of Small Aircraft,” AIAA Journal of Aircraft 19 6 June 1982
- Pilots Operating Manual, Piper Arrow II Piper Aircraft Corp. Vero Beach, Florida 1973