What happens to positive g-forces as the radius of a turn decreases?

When an aircraft makes a turn, the positive g-forces experienced by the occupants relate to the centripetal acceleration required to maintain that turn. The formula for centripetal acceleration is dependent on both the velocity of the aircraft and the radius of the turn. Specifically, as the radius of the turn decreases, the necessary centripetal force increases to maintain the same speed, which leads to a higher rate of change in direction.

In a tighter turn, the aircraft must exert greater force to remain on its curved path, resulting in an increase in the positive g-forces experienced by the occupants. This phenomenon can be understood through the relationship between g-forces, acceleration, and the curvature of the turn: a smaller radius requires more aggressive steering inputs, increasing the perceived weight or g-forces on the body.

Conversely, if the radius were to increase, the positive g-forces would decrease because the aircraft would require less centripetal acceleration to maintain its turn at the same speed. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the situation is that as the radius of a turn decreases, positive g-forces increase, leading to heightened physiological impacts on the pilot and passengers.