Aviation & Aeronautics
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Climb Gradient

Climb angle (as a fraction) equals excess thrust divided by weight.

Formula

γ=T−DW\gamma = \dfrac{T - D}{W}

Variables

\gammaClimb gradient
TThrust
DDrag
WWeight

Example

A 2000 N thrust surplus on a 20 000 N aircraft gives a 10% climb gradient.

Did You Know?

Climb gradient — height gained per distance — must clear obstacles and terrain after takeoff.

climb gradientperformanceobstacle