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Knots to Feet Per Second Conversion Formula:
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The conversion from knots (KTS) to feet per second (FPS) is a unit conversion used in aviation, maritime, and engineering applications to translate speed measurements between nautical and imperial units.
The conversion uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: One knot equals 1.68781 feet per second. This conversion factor is derived from the definition of one knot as one nautical mile per hour, and one nautical mile as 6,076.11549 feet.
Details: This conversion is essential for pilots, sailors, and engineers who need to work with different speed measurement systems. It's particularly important in aviation for calculating takeoff/landing speeds and wind corrections.
Tips: Enter the speed in knots (KTS) and the converter will automatically calculate the equivalent speed in feet per second (FPS). The result is precise to four decimal places.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 1.68781?
A: This factor comes from the definition: 1 knot = 1 nautical mile/hour = 6,076.11549 feet / 3600 seconds = 1.68781 feet/second.
Q2: When would I need to convert knots to feet per second?
A: Common applications include aviation calculations, maritime navigation, engineering fluid dynamics, and meteorological analysis.
Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor 1.68781 is exact based on international standards for nautical mile definition.
Q4: What's the difference between knots and miles per hour?
A: One knot equals approximately 1.15078 miles per hour, as a nautical mile (6,076.12 feet) is longer than a statute mile (5,280 feet).
Q5: Can this converter handle negative speeds?
A: While mathematically possible, negative speeds are not physically meaningful in this context. The converter accepts zero and positive values only.