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The Feet Per Second to Knots conversion is used to convert speed measurements from the imperial system (feet per second) to the nautical measurement system (knots). This conversion is particularly important in aviation, maritime navigation, and meteorology.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: One knot is defined as one nautical mile per hour, which equals approximately 1.68781 feet per second. The conversion factor is derived from the relationship between nautical miles, statute miles, and feet.
Details: Accurate speed conversion is crucial for navigation, flight planning, weather reporting, and international communication where different measurement systems are used. Knots are the standard unit for maritime and aviation speeds worldwide.
Tips: Enter the speed value in feet per second (ft/s). The value must be non-negative. The calculator will automatically convert it to knots with four decimal places precision.
Q1: Why is 1.68781 used as the conversion factor?
A: This factor comes from the definition: 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour = 6076.12 feet per hour = 6076.12/3600 ≈ 1.68781 feet per second.
Q2: What are typical FPS values for common speeds?
A: Walking speed: 4-5 ft/s, Running speed: 10-15 ft/s, Highway speed: 100 ft/s (≈68 mph), Aircraft takeoff: 200-300 ft/s.
Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor 1.68781 is precise for most practical applications. For extreme precision, more decimal places can be used.
Q4: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Primarily in aviation (aircraft performance), maritime navigation (ship speeds), and meteorology (wind speeds).
Q5: Can I convert knots back to feet per second?
A: Yes, use the inverse formula: FPS = Knots × 1.68781.