Power Requirement to Keep a Jet Aircraft in the Air
The total energy of an aircraft flying in the atmosphere can be calculated using equation 1. [2]
E = ½ m v2 + mgh
A Boeing 737-300 has a maximum takeoff weight of 5.65 × 104 kg, a cruise altitude of h = 10,195 m, and cruise speed of 221 m/sec. Inserting these numbers into the above equation, we obtain 7.03 GJ for the energy at cruise conditions. [3] However, the engines mounted onto the wings of the plane are required to provide additional energy per time, power, in order to keep the aircraft flying at a constant altitude and speed. This extra power needed to overcome the drag acting on the airplane and is calculated using
P = (dh/dt) m gConsult a complete article. I hope it will be helpful. ThanksSource: large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph240/eller1/