Vc

The V_C of an aircraft is the V speed which refers to the velocity of cruising. V_C is within the green arc on many airspeed indicators. This speed specific to the aircraft model.

V_C is also called the design cruising speed or the optimum cruise speed â€" the latter being the speed giving the most velocity (i.e greatest distance/time) from a litre of fuel, usually utilising 75% power at Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) and about 1.3 times the maximum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) speed â€" V_br above. The speed and power required decrease as the aircraft weight decreases from MTOW.

For normal category aircraft FAR part 23 specifies a minimum design cruising speed (in knots) based on the wing loading of 33 √ W/S (weight in pounds divided by wing area in square feet). For utility category the minimum design cruising speed is 36 √ W/S. Many ultralight aeroplanes are unable to comply with the FAR part 23 requirement for a minimum design cruising speed.

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