I am interested in better understanding the performance differences between different planes that seem to be similar in many important ways but that differ greatly in performance.
For example, take single engine turboprops A, B, and C that all have a regulation stall speed minimum of 61 knots, and that all have similar power to weight ratios at takeoff. Turboprop A has a takeoff field length of 1,200', B is 1,600', C is 2,400'. If they all have the same stall speed (and a similar lift-to-weight ratio, I would think) and similar power to weight ratios, shouldn't they have similar takeoff field length requirements?
Lancair Evolution
- 550hp at takeoff (750hp in flight)
- 4,550 lbs MTOW
- max speed ~295 knots
- 1,200' field length
- ~10:1 glide ratio
Epic E1000
- 960hp at takeoff (1200hp in flight)
- 7,500 lbs MTOW
- ~330 knots max speed
- 1,600' field length
- ~17:1 glide ratio
Daher TBM 900*
- 850hp
- 7,400 lbs MTOW
- ~330 knots max speed
- 2,400' field length
- *65 kts stall speed http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/tbm-850-even-faster
If these planes have the same stall speed (and therefore, my intuition would think, similar ratios of lift to weight and drag), and have similar ratios of power-to-weight, how can they have such different field length requirements and glide ratios?
EDIT: UPDATED INFO
Stall speed is as defined by the FAA for Part 23 aircraft certification. Here's a link to how the FAA requires the stall speed to be validated.
Wikipedia defines this Vs0 speed as:
Stall speed or minimum flight speed in landing configuration.