What is the impact of higher bank angles on an aircraft's performance?

Higher bank angles during flight result in an increased load factor, which is a crucial principle in aviation. When an aircraft is banked, the lift vector is tilted, and as a result, the total load acting on the aircraft increases. This is due to the need for the wings to generate additional lift to counteract the force of gravity acting on the aircraft during the turn.

In a level turn, if the bank angle increases, it requires greater lift to maintain altitude, which in turn increases the load factor. For instance, the load factor in a standard turn is 1G (normal weight) at straight and level flight; however, at a bank angle of 30 degrees, the load factor increases to approximately 1.15G, and at 60 degrees, it rises to about 2G. This greater load factor is essential for understanding how aircraft performance is affected during maneuvers, especially in terms of structural integrity and performance limits.

While higher bank angles can lead to improved turn rates, they can also introduce greater demands on the aircraft's structure and the pilot’s ability to manage those forces effectively. This aspect of increased load factor is significant for safety and efficiency in various flight operations.