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At what bank angle does the load factor of a UAS begin to change significantly?

  1. 30 degrees

  2. 45 degrees

  3. 60 degrees

  4. 75 degrees

The correct answer is: 45 degrees

The point at which the load factor of a UAS changes significantly occurs at a bank angle of around 45 degrees. At this angle, the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft lead to a notable increase in load factor due to the physics of flight. When a UAS banks, the lift vector tilts; as the bank angle increases, the vertical component of lift that counteracts gravity decreases, while the horizontal component increases, leading to a higher load factor. As a result, pilots must be particularly aware of this increase in load factor at 45 degrees during maneuvers to avoid stalling or losing control, especially given that drones often weigh less than traditional aircraft. Understanding this relationship between bank angle and load factor is essential for safe maneuvering and maintaining performance in different flight conditions.