Question

What is the value of λ in gliding flight flying at minimum drag speed?

(a) 3

(b) 2

(c) 1

(d) 0

I had been asked this question in unit test.

My doubt stems from Climb and Descent Performance with Power-Producing Engines topic in portion Climb and Descent Performance of Aircraft Performance

Answer 1

Right choice is (d) 0

To explain: In gliding flight the value of dimensionless power (λ) is zero (0) and the shallow glide angle is given by flying at the minimum drag speed. As the power increase the airspeed for maximum climb gradient decreases.