Flight envelope

The flight envelope ( engl. flight envelope ) or flight range limit is the envelope of the possible power of a missile in a height - velocity diagram or load multiples - velocity diagram. Sometimes these diagrams can also be combined in an image.

Flugenveloppen characterize the acceptable operating range of a missile. It is determined by a matrix mutually influencing parameters, which in turn may assume only certain values ​​. All possible combinations of speed, altitude, angle of attack, sideslip angle, weight, center of gravity and aircraft configuration ( landing gear, flaps, slats, afterburner ) are examined in order to determine the boundaries of an aircraft change in these variables. The maneuverability, structural load and the behavior of the engines must remain within acceptable limits. Also engines have envelopes for your allowable power range.

From Flugenveloppen to direct comparisons of the performance of two aircraft can be drawn. Also opens up from where Coffin Corners are the aircraft. The aircraft is outside the flight envelope, take flight parameters at unacceptable levels, which can lead to damage or even crash the aircraft.

The criterion for the determination of the flight envelope is only the security of the aircraft, not the more efficient operation. It is determined by extensive testing of hardware and software on the ground ( eg wind tunnel ) and in the air.

Source

H. Walgemoed, Fokker Aircraft B. V. 1117 ZJ Schiphol- Oost THE NETHERLANDS Chapter 12: Flight envelope

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