REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.

SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT

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Table 1. Typical Values for Maximum Lift Coefficient

REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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24 April 2023 Page 2 of 8 Pages
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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Climb gradient is the ratio between the increase of altitude to the air
distance expressed as a percentage. This must take into consideration by the
designer in order to analyze the climb and landing performance of the aircraft.
This report shows the rapid method of estimating the climb gradient needed for
take-off and balked landing of the aircraft. Factors must also be followed in
accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 23.65 and 23.77 for balked
landing climb requirements.

Climb gradient requirements of FAR 23.65

CGR=Climb Gradient=
( dt )
dh

18.97 η √ σ
CGRP=

( WP ) √( WS )
Since,

( )
−1
L
CGR+
D
CGRP=Climb Gradient Parameter=
√C L
Hence,

( )
−1
L
CGR+
D 18.97 η √ σ
=
√C L
( WP ) √( WS )
18.97 η √ σ C L 1
CGR= −

( WP ) √( WS ) ( )
L
D
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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Where:
η = propeller efficiency , η=0.80
W =maximum take−off weight
P =brake horsepower
S =wing area
σ =density ratio at 5,000 ft
σ =0.8616
CL climb
=coefficient of lift at take−off phase ,
CL climb
=1.6

( DL ) climb
= Lift −Drag Ratio for Climb

As per Roskam, the FAR 23.65 requires the climb gradient of landplanes must
have at least 1/12 rad. Using the drag polar equation for take-off configuration
on Report 8F (Drag Polar Determination), the lift-drag ratio can be obtained.

C D =0.07169+0.05526 C L 2

It will be assumed now, that with take-off flaps the value of C L =1.60. max

Observing a margin of Δ C L=0.20 , the coefficient of lift at climb phase is 1.40.

Since,
C L =1.40
climb

This yield to,

( ) ( )
−1
L 0.07169
= +0.05526 C L
D climb CL

( DL ) =[ 0.07169 ]
−1
+ 0.05526 ( 1.40 )
climb ( 1.40 )
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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( DL )
climb
=7.78
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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Therefore,

18.97 η √ σ C L 1
CGR= −

( WP ) √( WS ) ( )
L
D
1 18.97 ( 0.800 ) √ ( 0.8616 ) ( 1.40 ) 1
= −

( P ) √( S )
12.0 W W (7.78 )

( WP )= 78.67
(√ WS )
After determining the equation between the wing and power loading, a
tabular relationship can now be constructed for the graphical analysis.

( WS ) ¿
( WP ) MAX . CONT
( WP ) MAX . ¿
¿

lb lb
psf
hp hp

10.0 0.002366

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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Climb gradient requirements if FAR 23.77 (Balked Landing)

The method of sizing up the climb requirements of FAR 23.77 is the same
method used for the FAR 23.65. The difference between their methods is
focused on the drag polar equation and the required climb gradient for
landplanes on balked landing is at least 1.30 rad. For balked landing, the drag
polar equation that must be used is the landing configuration.
2
C D =0.12169+0.0591 C L
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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It will be assumed, that with the gear down and landing flaps, a value of
C LmaxL=2.00 can be achieved. Also, the climb is carried out with the margin as
before.

Since,

C Lclimb=2.00−0.20=1.80

This will yield to,

( ) ( )
−1
L 0. 12169
= + 0.05 91C L
D climb CL

( DL ) =[ 0.12169 ]
−1
+ 0.0591 ( 1.80 )
( 1.80 )
climb

( DL ) =5.75climb

Therefore,

18.97 η √ σ C L 1
CGR= −

( WP ) √( WS ) ( )
L
D
1 18.97 ( 0.800 ) √ ( 0.8616 ) ( 1.8 0 ) 1
= −

( P ) √( S )
12.0 W W ( 5.57 )

( WP )= 91.W19
√( S )
REPORT NO. 11F AURELIO, WILAN ENRICO D.
SIZING TO CLIMB GRADIENT
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Using the equation formulated above, a tabular presentation can now be made
for the graphical analysis of sizing up the climb gradient requirements.

( WS ) ¿
( WP ) MAX . CONT
( WP ) MAX . ¿
¿

lb lb
psf
hp hp

10.0 0.002366

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0