To achieve maximum range in a headwind, what speed should be flown?

To achieve maximum range in a headwind, flying at a speed faster than the minimum drag speed is optimal because this approach maximizes the lift-to-drag ratio during flight.

Minimum drag speed, often referred to as Vmd, is the speed at which the aircraft experiences the least amount of drag for a particular configuration, allowing for efficient flight. However, in the presence of a headwind, this speed might not provide the best performance in terms of distance traveled over the ground. When flying faster than the minimum drag speed, an airplane can better compensate for the adverse effects of the headwind, allowing it to maintain a higher ground speed and cover more distance.

This speed adjustment helps to maintain a favorable lift-to-drag ratio while also ensuring sufficient control and performance in the increased wind conditions, making it essential for maximizing range. Flying at the stalling speed would compromise safety and control, and flying slower than minimum drag speed could reduce distance covered due to increased time spent in the air without sufficient forward travel. Thus, selecting a speed greater than the minimum drag speed is crucial for enhancing range performance in challenging wind conditions.