Aviation & Aeronautics
Intermediate

Stall Speed

Minimum speed for level flight, set by maximum lift coefficient.

Formula

Vs=2WρSCL,maxV_s = \sqrt{\dfrac{2W}{\rho S C_{L,max}}}

Variables

V_sStall speed
WWeight
\rhoAir density
SWing area
C_{L,max}Max lift coefficient

Example

A heavier aircraft stalls at a higher speed, since more lift is needed to hold it up.

Did You Know?

A wing stalls at a critical angle, not a fixed speed — you can stall at any airspeed if you pull too hard.

stallspeedaerodynamics