Banked turn
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A banked turn is a fundamental maneuver in aeronautics in which an aircraft changes its direction of flight by rolling, or banking, its wings. This banking creates a horizontal component of lift that generates the force necessary to turn the aircraft.
The Mechanics
- Roll/Bank: The pilot uses ailerons (or spoilers) to roll the aircraft, causing it to lean into the turn.
- Horizontal Lift: The angled wings in a banked turn generate a force that's not just upward (lifting) but also sideways.
- Turning Force: This sideways component of lift is what creates the force needed to make the aircraft turn in a curved path.
- Rudder Coordination: The rudder is used to maintain coordination, preventing the aircraft from slipping or yawing sideways during the turn.
Key Aspects
- Angle of Bank: The degree to which the aircraft is tilted is called the angle of bank.
- Load Factor: Banked turns increase the load factor, which is the force the aircraft experiences due to the combination of gravity and the turning force. This can be significant in steep turns.
- Turn Radius: The radius of the turn is related to the speed of the aircraft and the angle of bank. Steeper bank angles result in tighter turns.
- Turning Rate: The rate at which an aircraft turns is also influenced by the bank angle and speed.
Importance
- Changing Direction: Banked turns are essential for changing direction in flight, such as making navigation turns or performing maneuvers.
- Controlled Flight: Pilots use banked turns to navigate and maneuver in a controlled and safe manner.
- Flight Training: Banking turns are a fundamental skill taught to pilots during flight training.
