Energy maneuverability refers to an aircraft's ability to change its energy state, either by gaining or losing energy, to achieve a desired flight trajectory or maneuver This concept is crucial in modern aviation, as it directly impacts an aircraft's performance, efficiency, and safety. It was developed by col John boyd, a fighter pilot, and thomas p Christie, a mathematician with the united states air force, and is useful in describing an aircraft's performance as the total of kinetic and potential energies or aircraft specific energy. This is the amount of energy that the airplane has available to either accelerate or climb
The contour where specific excess power equals zero will define the maximum sustained turn rate for the aircraft. The aspects of airplane performance within the energy maneuverability theory can be described in one basic formula In this equation, v represents velocity This paper demonstrates how this visualization technique helps the engineer identify parameters that influence both the “best operating” flight conditions and the point performance at specific aircraft flight conditions. Energy maneuverability (em) theory, a cornerstone in the realm of aerial combat, revolves around the efficient management of an aircraft’s energy to maximize performance. The specific energy rate of an aircraft , ie an aircraft at 30,000 feet at 450 knots and pulling 6 gs, is equal to thrust minus drag over weight, multiplied by velocity.
