Air Combat Maneuvering
Background
Vertical Maneuvering
Figure 3 represents another theoretical
loop in the vertical plane at constant
TAS and constant indicated g. Unlike a
purely horizontal turn, your turn
performance in a purely vertical turn is
affected differently depending upon
where you are in the turn.
When the aircraft lift vector is above the
horizon (at the bottom of the egg), radial
g decreases because gravity opposes
the load factor of the aircraft, resulting in
LF=4
a larger turn radius and a lower turn
RG=4
rate. When the lift vector is below the
LF=4
RG=4
horizon (at the top of the egg when the
fighter is inverted), radial g increases
because gravity assists the load factor
and lift, resulting in a smaller turn radius
and faster turn rate. When the aircraft is
pure vertical (side of the egg) the load
factor is parallel to the horizon and,
therefore, equals radial g, indicating an
intermediate turn performance. So
when your lift vector (load factor) falls
below the horizon, gravity assists your
turn performance.
LF = LOAD FACTOR
G = GRAVITY
RG = RADIAL G
Figure 3: VERTICAL MANEUVERING
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T-45C Revision 1
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