What does the specific range ratio compare?

The specific range ratio is a crucial metric in aviation that compares the distance an aircraft can travel over a given amount of time relative to its fuel consumption. This is expressed as nautical miles per hour (NM/h) divided by fuel flow in pounds per hour. Hence, the specific range gives a clear measure of fuel efficiency at a particular flight operation, essentially indicating how many miles the aircraft can travel for each pound of fuel consumed per hour.

This comparison provides valuable insight when optimizing flight operations and planning, particularly in terms of managing fuel resources during flight. A higher specific range indicates better fuel efficiency, which is vital for operational costs and performance assessments. Understanding this ratio allows flight engineers and pilots to make informed decisions regarding flight profiles, routes, and fuel load calculations based on performance data.