1. What is Departure Angle?

Departure Angle is the maximum angle a vehicle can descend without the rear bumper or undercarriage making contact with the ground. It's a critical measurement for off-road vehicles and automotive design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the departure angle formula:

Where:

• \( DA \) — Departure Angle (degrees)
• \( GC \) — Ground Clearance (inches)
• \( Rear\ Overhang \) — Distance from rear axle to rear bumper (inches)

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle using the inverse tangent function based on the ratio of ground clearance to rear overhang.

3. Importance of Departure Angle

Details: A higher departure angle indicates better off-road capability, allowing vehicles to navigate steep declines without damage to the rear components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter ground clearance and rear overhang in inches. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a good departure angle?
A: For off-road vehicles, departure angles of 30° or more are generally considered good, while values below 20° may limit off-road capability.

Q2: How does departure angle affect vehicle performance?
A: Vehicles with higher departure angles can handle steeper descents and rough terrain without scraping or damaging the rear bumper and undercarriage.

Q3: Can departure angle be improved?
A: Yes, through modifications like lift kits, shorter rear bumpers, or reducing rear overhang through design changes.

Q4: How is departure angle measured in real-world conditions?
A: Manufacturers typically measure it with the vehicle at curb weight, though actual performance may vary with load and terrain conditions.

Q5: What's the difference between departure angle and approach angle?
A: Departure angle measures rear clearance on descents, while approach angle measures front clearance when ascending obstacles.