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Rate of Climb (Excess Power)

Climb rate equals excess power (available minus required) divided by weight.

Formula

ROC=PaPrWROC = \dfrac{P_a - P_r}{W}

Variables

ROCRate of climb
P_aPower available
P_rPower required
WWeight

Example

Excess power 300 kW, weight 100 kN: ROC = 3 m/s

Did You Know?

When excess power reaches zero the aircraft can climb no higher — that altitude is the absolute ceiling.

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