Theory
Mathematically, the maximum lift-to-drag ratio can be estimated as:
- ,
where A is the aspect ratio, the span efficiency factor, a number less than but close to unity for long, straight edged wings, and the zero-lift drag coefficient.
Most importantly, the maximum lift-to-drag ratio is independent of the weight of the aircraft, the area of the wing, or the wing loading.
Read more about this topic: Lift-to-drag Ratio
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