Load factor during a stabilized climb or descend
Hi,
I read in many books that the load factor (= L/W) equals 1 in a stabilized climb or descend. However I don't agree. Could someone tell me if my reasoning is right (or wrong) ? Thanks.
So,
L = Lift
W = Weight
* Load factor = L/W
During a stabilized climb :
"a" is the angle of climb,
(= angle between the local horizontal and the trajectory of the aircraft)
* L = W cos(a)
* Thrust = Drag + W sin(a)
During a stabilzed descend :
* L = W cos(a)
* Drag = Thrust + W sin(a)
Conclusion :
In both cases: L = W cos(a)
Hance Load factor = L/W = cos(a)
However, cos(a)<1.
Therefore in a stabilized climb or descend the load factor is always smaller than 1.
Do you agree ?
Thanks.