vary weight radius of turn

[fastflaps40]

Two aircraft flying at a constant IAS, altitude, temperature, Angle of bank.

One heavier than the other, which has a greater radius of turn?
I think that the radius of turn is the same as it depends on the speed not the weight.

Also which one will have a greater Load factor.

Your thoughts and theories?

[flyboyike]

Weight has no effect on radius of turn, nor on load factor.

[Keith.Williams.]

Radius of turn = (TAS squared) / (gTan AOB)

The two aircraft are at the same IAS and altitude so (if we ignore the possibility of temperature differences) we can assume that their TAS are also equal.

If you look at the above equation you will see that weight plays no part in determining the radius. So at the same AOB and TAS both will have the same radius of turn.

In a constant altitude banked the load factor = 1/Cos AOB. In this case both have the same AOB so both have the same load factor.

[barit1]

I once made a nomograph (remember those?) to quickly define this problem's solution. Keith & Ike have it right. :cool: