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In [[aviation]], '''endurance''' is the maximum length of time that an aircraft can spend in [[Cruise (flight)|cruising flight]].  Endurance is different from [[range (aircraft)|range]], which is a measure of distance flown. For example, a typical [[sailplane]] exhibits high endurance characteristics but poor range characteristics.

Endurance can be defined as:

<math>E=\int_{t_1}^{t_2}dt=-\int_{W_1}^{W_2}\frac{dW}{F}=\int_{W_2}^{W_1}\frac{dW}{F}</math>

where W stands for fuel weight, F for fuel flow, and t for time.

Endurance can factor into aviation design in a number of ways. Some aircraft, such as the [[P-3 Orion]] or [[Lockheed U-2|U-2]] spy plane, require high endurance characteristics as part of their mission profile (often referred to as '''loiter time (on target)'''). Endurance, like range, is also related to fuel efficiency; fuel-efficient aircraft will tend to exhibit good endurance characteristics.

==References==
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[[Category:Aerospace engineering]]


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