Carsons speed?

[Cwalsh7997]

Hi guys I've been hearing a lot about this Carson speed as the most economical way to fly? Just wondering if you can tell me more about it and how it relates in real life as to numbers and gph. Also is it safe for the engine to run like that for a period of time?

[PTK]

In your total drag curve there is a spot where your lift/drag ratio (L/D) is maximized. This is your best glide airspeed.

Carson worked out the math and identified another area where there is a highest airpeed gain for lowest fuel penalty. He called it the least wasteful speed.

This is Carson speed and it's L/D max+32%. (Or L/D max times 1.32.)

Combine this with the increased TAS that comes at altitude and it's a nice efficient speed.

http://cafefoundation.org/v2/pdf_tech/MPG.engines/AIAA.1980.1847.B.H.Carson.pdf

[ArtVandelay]

For a normally aspirated engine, that means you want to be up around 12000-16000 ft and WOT, so you indicated airspeed is low, but your true airspeed is high.