The glide ratio at best glide speed in a clean configuration should be approximately?

The glide ratio at best glide speed in a clean configuration is an important aspect of aircraft performance, particularly for the T-6B. When discussing glide ratios, it refers to the distance the aircraft can travel horizontally for every 1,000 feet it descends vertically.

In the case of the T-6B, at its best glide speed with the flaps and landing gear retracted (clean configuration), the aircraft achieves an optimal lift-to-drag ratio. This allows for the most efficient glide performance, which is approximately 2.0 nautical miles for every 1,000 feet lost. This glide ratio means that for each 1,000 feet of altitude the aircraft loses, it can glide around 2 nautical miles, making it crucial for pilots to be aware of this ratio during emergency situations or during practice glides.

Understanding the glide ratio is critical for flight planning and for making informed decisions about landing approaches, particularly in scenarios where engine failure occurs. Pilots must be able to calculate the required distance to reach a suitable landing area based on their altitude and glide ratio.