Apologies for digging up a old thread though it seems to be the most relevant.
I am trying to better understand the physics around max rate vs min radius turns. This is how I understand it currently:
Turn rate increases directly proportional to a decrease in TAS or an increase in radial G. Usually at Va and C/L Max or limiting characteristic approaching C/L Max. Note that Va is an IAS not TAS
Turn radius decreases proportional to the square of a decrease in TAS and directly proportional to an increase in radial G. It is usually somewhat slower that Va and at a lower G loading than max rate due to the square relationship with TAS while only proportional relationship to G Loading.
Now I look at two examples:
1. F16 26,000lbs Sea Level: (See Turn Performance chart below)
- Min Radius Turn: R1473ft, 13°/s @ 0.3M (198kt) AoB 67.1° 2.6G
- Max Rate Turn: R1756ft, 22°/s @ 0.6M (397kt) AoB 82.9° 8G
2. Theoretical Aerobatic a/c Vs 60kt, 8G, Va=170kt Sea Level:
- Min Radius Turn: R322ft, 51°/s @ 170kt AoB 82.9° 8G
- Max Rate Turn: R322ft, 51°/s @ 170kt AoB 82.9° 8G
- 2.6G for Ref. to F16 Min Radius Turn: R347ft, 27°/s @ 96kt AoB 67.1° 2.6G
Calculators:
Aircraft Turn Information Calculator
Aviation Calculator
Why does my theoretical aerobatic aircraft have the same Max Rate as Min Radius turn, while the F16 seems to fit my intuitive understanding better?
What am I missing folks?
Cheers!
F16 26000lbs DF 100 Sea Level