Banked Turn Angle
Banked Turn Angle
In a coordinated turn the bank angle is set so the combined lift and gravity point exactly toward the turn centre — no sideways slip.
The bank angle is θ = arctan(v²/(g·r)). where v is the speed, g gravity and r the turn radius.
Inputs
v := 100 m/s=100 m/s
g := 9.81 m/s^2=9.81 m/s^2
r := 2000 m=2000 m
Balance horizontal lift against centripetal demand.
theta := atan(v^2/(g·r))=0.47 rad
Results
Faster or tighter turns need steeper banks (the result is in radians). The same relation sets the banking of roads and railway curves.
Assumptions & limitations
- Coordinated (balanced) turn.
- Constant speed and radius.
- Rigid-body flight.