
- Horizontal velocity component: Vx = V * cos (α)
- Vertical velocity component: Vy = V * sin (α)
- Time of flight: t = 2 * Vy / g.
- Range of the projectile: R = 2 * Vx * Vy / g.
- Maximum height: hmax = Vy² / (2 * g)
Full Answer
What is the ratio between VX and Vy?
So V versus t should be a constant, 0.5 at any given moment in time, but Vx and Vy are changing, they always end up at V = 0.5 but the ratio changes between them would change. Ok I will try to expain it again. The motion is two (actually three dimensional, but for simplicity I am keeping it to 2 for now).
How do you calculate VX and Vy time of flight?
Time of flight: t = 2 * Vy / g. Range of the projectile: R = 2 * Vx * Vy / g. Does VX and VY change with weight? Yes, both will vary.
What happens when VX and Vy meet?
The Absolute Ceiling: Where Vx and Vy Meet At this altitude, the power available curve crosses through the lowest point of the power required curve. Now you can't climb anymore because you're out of excess power. At the absolute ceiling, your Vx and Vy are the same speed.
How do you calculate power required for VX?
So, you can compute power required by multiplying your total drag (force required) by your airspeed (distance over time). Power Required = Thrust Required X Airspeed. Click to see full answer. In this way, what is the difference between VX and VY? Vx is the slowest (IAS), and is the Maximum ANGLE of climb.

How do you calculate VY and VX?
Projectile motion equationsHorizontal velocity component: Vx = V * cos(α)Vertical velocity component: Vy = V * sin(α)Time of flight: t = 2 * Vy / g.Range of the projectile: R = 2 * Vx * Vy / g.Maximum height: hmax = Vy² / (2 * g)
How do you find VY?
22:1628:11Now just like last time we mentioned earlier in this video we've got to find the vertical velocityMoreNow just like last time we mentioned earlier in this video we've got to find the vertical velocity as well using this equation. So you need to find v y final. And you know v y initial is basically v
What altitude is VX and VY equal?
10,000 feetEven thought these Figures don't represent a specific airplane you can see that at 10,000 feet Vx equals Vy (both are 75 knots).
Does VX and VY change with weight?
The Heavier You Get, The Faster You Need To Fly For Vy Vy is your best rate of climb speed, and it changes with weight. Most aircraft POHs only publish Vy for max gross weight, and admittedly, Vy doesn't change significantly with weight in most aircraft.
How is VX calculated?
vx(t) = (x(t) - x(t-d))/d, where d is the time step. I see that it is not calculated this way. vx(t) = x(t+d) - x(t-d).
How is VX calculated in aviation?
1:182:49The Y represents the best rate of climb. The X is steep and slow. And it's used to clear obstacles.MoreThe Y represents the best rate of climb. The X is steep and slow. And it's used to clear obstacles. The Y is shallow and fast and it gets you to altitude quicker.
Why do VX and VY change?
3:324:52Let's take our indicated airspeed values for VX and V Y and plot how they change with altitude. NowMoreLet's take our indicated airspeed values for VX and V Y and plot how they change with altitude. Now here's the graph that you're probably more familiar with. So why does the best rate of climb line
How does wind affect VX and VY?
Vy is altitude gained over time and Vx is altitude gained over distance. This is where it gets confusing; A headwind will affect the climb angle relative to the earth. Extreme example is climbing into a headwind which is equal to your speed.
Does VX change with flaps?
Each Flap setting will have it's own Vx and Vy. Both are related to Lift and DRAG, with the higher flap settings having the lower Vx/Vy, with Vx/Vy increasing as flap setting decreases. The actual Angle / Rate of Climb will be decreased in all cases when any flap is used.
What is VX in a Cessna 172?
When you get airborne you will pitch for the best angle of climb speed, also known as VX. This is the speed that will get you the most altitude in the shortest distance.
What is VX and VY?
VX and VY are arguably the two most important V speeds in all of aviation. VX is the best angle of climb and VY is the best rate of climb. In most cases, VY is used because it gets the plane to altitude the fastest. But if you need to climb more steeply, then VX is the best airspeed to use.
What is the difference between service ceiling and absolute ceiling?
The absolute ceiling is the altitude at which the (maximum) rate of climb goes to zero. The service ceiling is the altitude at which the maximum rate of climb is 100 ft/min. ( 0.5 m/s) for piston powered aircraft or 500 ft/min (2.5 m/s) for jet powered aircraft.
How to calculate power required?
So, you can compute power required by multiplying your total drag (force required) by your airspeed (distance over time). Power Required = Thrust Required X Airspeed. In America, we use some wonky units for both force and power.
What is the speed where you have the biggest difference between power required and power available?
Vy is the speed where you have the biggest difference between power required and power available.
What units do we use for power?
In America, we use some wonky units for both force and power. As pilots, we generally think of thrust in terms of pounds. On a reciprocating engine aircraft, we measure power in "horsepower."
JohnAJohnson Cleared for Takeoff
Given Vs and Vso, is there any way mathematically to calculate Vx and Vy?
Kevin H. Pre-Flight
You'd be better off calculating the ratio of ants and termites to grains of sands on the beach then messing with that calculation... Just google "calculate Vx and Vy" and you'll get your answer.
MAKG1 Touchdown! Greaser!
There are ways to GUESS AT Vx and Vy given Vs0, but they are rules of thumb and should be taken with truckloads of salt. A real airplane designer might not have gotten the memo....
gismo Touchdown! Greaser!
Given Vs and Vso, is there any way mathematically to calculate Vx and Vy?
JohnAJohnson Cleared for Takeoff
Thanks all. I'm adding VGs next week and am trying to understand what impact they will have on Vx and Va. I'm fairly sure Vy shouldn't change but since the stall speed will be about 5 knots lower, I know I can climb out steeper (but don't know how it will actually impact Vx altitude and distance), and should probably lower Va by 5 knots too.
gismo Touchdown! Greaser!
Thanks all. I'm adding VGs next week and am trying to understand what impact they will have on Vx and Va. I'm fairly sure Vy shouldn't change but since the stall speed will be about 5 knots lower, I know I can climb out steeper (but don't know how it will actually impact Vx altitude and distance), and should probably lower Va by 5 knots too.
poadeleted20 Deleted
Given Vs and Vso, is there any way mathematically to calculate Vx and Vy?
What is velocity in math?
Velocity is the first derivative of the position... So I should take the first derivatives of the equations of the trajectory that I have and then do 0.5^2 = derivative (x)^2 + derivative (y)^2 and that will be an equation with t as unknown in it solve for t and then plug t's back into the derivatives to get the actual velocities?
What is the t in dx/dt?
This is the confusion you need to avoid. To end up with an expression for speed, the t you need in dx/dt is time, not the parameter t in the equations.
Does velocity give constant velocity?
No it will not give a constant velocity, that is precisely what i am saying, the velocities along each respecitve axis are NOT constant, but when you use each of these individual velocities to calculate the total speed, the total speed should be constant at all times, so at a given moment in time vx may be larger than vy, but in the end its still 0.5, then in another moment in time, vy may be larger than vx, but its still a total speed of 0.5. You are looking at just one of the equations and not at both of them.
How is VX calculated?
Vx is all about excess force (thrust) – but Vy is all about excess power (horsepower). So, you can compute power required by multiplying your total drag (force required) by your airspeed (distance over time). Power Required = Thrust Required X Airspeed.
What is VX in aviation?
VX is the speed at which the airplane achieves the greatest gain in altitude for a given distance over the ground. It is usually slightly less than VY, which is the greatest gain in altitude per unit of time. The specific speeds to be used for a given airplane are stated in the FAA-approved AFM/POH.
What is VX in a Cessna 172?
There are two climbout speeds that we aim for when we’re taking off: best angle of climb ( VX ) or best rate of climb (VY). The PTS stipulates that you use the best rate of climb (VY) for a normal or crosswind takeoff.
What is VX poison?
VX is an extremely toxic synthetic chemical compound in the organophosphorus class, specifically, a thiophosphonate. In the class of nerve agents, it was developed for military use in chemical warfare after translation of earlier discoveries of organophosphate toxicity in pesticide research.
Does VX change with weight?
Vx and Vy change as DA goes up and change with weight. For every 1000′ increase in altitude Vx increases approximately 0.5 mph and Vy decreases 0.66 mph. Also remember Vx & Vy speeds decrease as weight decreases. Vx and Vy can be reduced ½ of the percent of weight reduction.
How do you calculate pressure altitude?
To calculate pressure altitude without the use of an altimeter, subject approximately 1 inch of mercury for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude from sea level. For example, if the current local altimeter setting at a 4,000-foot elevation is 30.42, the pressure altitude would be 3,500 feet: 30.42 – 29.92 = 0.50 in.
Why does VX increase with altitude?
Therefore, dropping straight down from the tangent point (point A) to point B, we find that the best angle of climb speed has increased to 75 knots. And this is the basic reason why Vx increases with altitude.
What is projectile motion calculator?
Our projectile motion calculator is a tool that helps you analyze the parabolic projectile motion. It can find the time of flight, but also the components of velocity, the range of the projectile, and the maximum height of flight. Continue reading if you want to understand what is projectile motion, get familiar with the projectile motion definition, and determine the abovementioned values using the projectile motion equations.
How does initial velocity affect a projectile?
Initial velocity, the initial height the projectile is being launched from, and gravity will all affect a projectile launched horizontally. Air resistance will also have an effect in real life, but for most theoretical calculations it is negligible and is therefore ignored. If the projectile has wings, this will also impact its motion, as it will glide.
How to find the range of a projectile?
The range of the projectile is the total horizontal distance traveled during the flight time. Again, if we're launching the object from the ground (initial height = 0), then we can write the formula as R = Vx * t = Vx * 2 * Vy / g. It may be also transformed into the form: R = V² * sin (2α) / g
How to find the greatest distance traveled by a projectile?
The equation for the distance traveled by a projectile being affected by gravity is sin (2θ)v2/g , where θ is the angle, v is the initial velocity and g is acceleration due to gravity. Assuming that v 2 /g is constant, the greatest distance will be when sin (2θ) is at its maximum, which is when 2θ = 90 degrees. This means θ = 45 degrees.
Can projectile motion calculator work in reverse?
Using our projectile motion calculator will surely save you a lot of time. It can also work 'in reverse'. For example, enter the time of flight, distance, and initial height and watch it do all calculations for you!
What is the Definition of Projectile Motion?
For an example of projectile motion, let us look at a golfer. Imagine him hitting the ball, blasting it forward and up. The further it moves toward the green, the slower its ascent becomes. It will then start its descent, showing promise for that elusive hole-in-one! Pay attention to the movements that ball made.
Analyzing Projectile Motion
Projectile motion might look complicated, but it involves logic. Once you know the initial velocity ( v ), launch angle ( α ), and initial height ( h ), use the calculator. The calculator uses the following steps to work out the remaining parameters for you. 1. Calculate your velocity components.
Equations for Projectile Motion
After reading the above steps for calculating projectile motion, you might feel frazzled! You won’t remember them all, but these below are important: Launching an object from the ground (initial height h = 0) 1. Horizontal velocity component Vx = V x cos (α) 2. Vertical velocity component Vy = V x sin (α) 3. Time of flight t = 2 x Vy / g 4.
Which is faster VX or VY?
Vx is slower than Vy. This makes sense, as Vx will have a slower forward speed. The slower forward speed of the airplane will provide more opportunity for altitude gain before reaching the obstacle to be cleared. An easy way to remember Vx vs. Vy, is to ask yourself which letter has more angles? The letter X has more angles than the letter Y. As such, you will always remember Vx is the Best Angle of Climb, and Vy is the Best Rate of Climb.
What does V mean in speed?
The “V” is from the French word ‘Vitesse’ which means ‘speed’ or ‘rate’. Important aviation Airspeeds are identified and defined using standard terms. Scientists and Engineers refer to Airspeeds as ‘V’ Speeds. Commonly, people think in terms of “Velocity”, and it is a nice memory aid, as “Velocity” begins with “V”. But, technically “Velocity” is defined as “Speed in a particular direction”. So, as a memory aid, you may loosely think of “V-Speeds” as “Velocity Speeds”, but to be more accurate, the ‘V’ is for ‘Vitesse’. V-Speeds are Airspeeds defined for specific maneuvers in specific aircraft at specific configurations.
What does Vs1 mean in a green arc?
Now that you are familiar with Vs0, it’s easy to remember Vs1. The beginning of the Green Arc is the power off Stalling Speed with the Gear and Flaps retracted. Vs is the Velocity (V) of the Stall (s), or minimum steady flight speed for which the aircraft is still controllable. As a memory aid, Vs1 is the Velocity (V) of the Stall (s) with everything Inside (1 looks like the letter i for inside). This is the Stall speed or minimum steady flight speed for which the aircraft is still controllable in a specific configuration.
How to tell the airspeed of a plane?
The Airspeed is typically indicated by a Tape Strip (Left Side of Glass Panel)that moves up and down to depict the Airspeed. The current speed is shown as a digital number. However, you will also see the familiar Green and Yellow Bars. From this familiar colour coding, the pilot can easily visualize some of these critical V-Speeds. The Glass Cockpit technology is incredible, and the pilot will be provided with considerable additional information including Ground Speed calculations and True Air Speed (TAS) calculations. You’ll learn more about TAS as you continue reading below.
What does V mean in aviation?
V is for Speed. The “V” is from the French word ‘Vitesse’ which means ‘speed’ or ‘rate’. Important aviation Airspeeds are identified and defined using standard terms. Scientists and Engineers refer to Airspeeds as ‘V’ Speeds. Commonly, people think in terms of “Velocity”, and it is a nice memory aid, as “Velocity” begins with “V”.
What does V speed mean?
V-Speeds are Airspeeds defined for specific maneuvers in specific aircraft at specific configurations. Aircraft designers and manufacturers perform flight tests to help determine performance limitations of aircraft.
What is the V speed indicator on an airplane?
Fortunately, the Airspeed Indicator in your airplane will have some of the more important V-Speeds highlighted or emphasized directly on the dial of the flight instrument. This helps the pilot to visually recognize these V-Speeds and easily determine how close they are to the V-Speeds while in flight.

The Drag Curve
Thrust Available
- Your propellor can generate the most thrust at a slow speed. Why? Because it's at a high angle of attack. As your airspeed increases, the propellor's angle of attack decreases, and it can generate less thrust. Look at the diagram below - it shows your total drag (the thrust required for level flight), and it shows your maximum thrust available. The amount of power you have available to …
Vy - It's All About Power
- Vx is all about excess force (thrust) - but Vy is all about excess power (horsepower). To figure out where Vy is, you need to draw a power required curve. What's that? Power is work done per unit of time. So, you can compute power required by multiplying your total drag (force required) by your airspeed (distance over time). Power Required = Thrust...
Not So Confusing, Huh?!?
- Now you know! Vx is the speed where you have the most excess force (thrust), and Vy is the speed where you have the most excess power (horsepower). Did you know that Vx and Vy change with altitude? And, they're the same at your maximum ceiling? We'll save that for another post, because too many charts all at once is never a good thing.