Load Factor

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Load Factor

</dt>
A number which yields the inertial load when multiplied by the weight of an object. </dd>
The load factor for a rocket is obtained by dividing the sum of the external forces by the weight of the rocket. For example, the longitudinal load factor n, is:

</dd>
n = (F - D)/W

</dd>
where F is rocket thrust; D is aerodynamic drag; and W is weight of missile. The force of gravity does not appear in the sum of external forces because, on each particle of mass, the gravity is canceled by the inertial force of free-fall acceleration. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use