Maneuvering speed

A flight envelope diagram showing V_S (Stall speed at 1G), V_C (Corner/Maneuvering speed) and V_D (Dive speed)

In aviation, the maneuvering speed of an aircraft is an airspeed limitation selected by the designer of the aircraft. At speeds close to, and faster than, the maneuvering speed, full deflection of any flight control surface should not be attempted because of the risk of damage to the aircraft structure.

The maneuvering speed of an aircraft is shown on a cockpit placard and in the aircraft's flight manual but is not commonly shown on the aircraft's airspeed indicator.

In the context of air combat maneuvring (ACM), the maneuvering speed is also known as corner speed or cornering speed.

Implications

It has been widely misunderstood that flight below maneuvering speed will provide total protection from structural failure. In response to the destruction of American Airlines Flight 587, a CFR Final Rule was issued clarifying that "flying at or below the design maneuvering speed does not allow a pilot to make multiple large control inputs in one airplane axis or single full control inputs in more than one airplane axis at a time". Such actions "may result in structural failures at any speed, including below the maneuvering speed."

Design maneuvering speed V_A

V_A is the design maneuvering speed and is a calibrated airspeed. Maneuvering speed cannot be slower than $V_{s}{\sqrt {n}}$ and need not be greater than V_c.

Maximum operating maneuvering speed V_O

Some aircraft have a maximum operating maneuvering speed V_O. The concept of maximum operating maneuvering speed was introduced to the USA type-certification standards for light aircraft in 1993. The maximum operating maneuvering speed is selected by the aircraft designer and cannot be faster than $V_{s}{\sqrt {n}}$, where V_s is the stalling speed of the aircraft, and n is the maximal allowed positive load factor.

At airspeeds slower than $V_{s}{\sqrt {n}}$ the aircraft will stall before the structure is subjected to its limiting aerodynamic load. The maneuvering speed or maximum operating maneuvering speed depicted on a cockpit placard is calculated for the maximum weight of the aircraft. Some Pilot's Operating Handbooks also present safe speeds for weights less than the maximum.

The formula used to calculate a safe speed for a lower weight is $\scriptstyle V_{A}{\sqrt {W_{2} \over W_{1}}}$, where V_A is maneuvering speed (at maximum weight), W₂ is actual weight, W₁ is maximum weight.

See also

• V speeds
• American Airlines Flight 587

External links

• 14 CFR 23.335 "Design airspeeds"