Endurance (aircraft)

In aviation, endurance is the maximum length of time that an aircraft can spend in cruising flight. In other words, it is the amount of time an aircraft can stay in the air with one load of fuel. Endurance is different from

range Range may refer to: Geography * Range (geographic), a chain of hills or mountains; a somewhat linear, complex mountainous or hilly area (cordillera, sierra) ** Mountain range, a group of mountains bordered by lowlands * Range, a term used to i ...

, which is a measure of distance flown. For example, a typical sailplane exhibits high endurance characteristics but poor range characteristics. Endurance can be defined as: :

E=\int_^dt=-\int_^\frac=\int_^\frac

where W stands for fuel weight, F for fuel flow, and t for time. Endurance can factor into aviation design in a number of ways. Some aircraft, such as the

P-3 Orion The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engined, turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.