Aero Fact: Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
A key performance metric for both aircraft and rockets affecting acceleration and climb.
By AircoreDynamics •
•
1 min read
Definition: Thrust-to-weight ratio governs acceleration and climb capability.
Physics insight: Net thrust minus aerodynamic drag sets acceleration; gravity losses dominate rockets.
Example: Rockets with T/W > 1 lift off; higher T/W improves aircraft climb rate.
a = (T - D)/m
Rules of thumb: Account for throttle/altitude effects on T and fuel-burn on W across mission phases.
Common pitfalls: Assuming constant T and D; neglecting temperature and density effects.
References: Mission analysis references