What does "Vx" indicate in aviation?

"Vx" refers to the speed at which an aircraft achieves the best angle of climb. This is the speed that allows the aircraft to gain the most altitude over the shortest horizontal distance. It is particularly critical during takeoff and initial climb phases, especially when obstacles are present in the aircraft's flight path. Pilots need to maintain this speed to ensure they can safely clear obstacles while climbing away from the runway.

It's important to understand that "Vx" is distinct from other speeds, such as "Vy," which indicates the best rate of climb. Selecting "Vx" is essential when clearance over obstacles is a priority, as flying at this speed optimizes performance in terms of altitude gain relative to distance traveled.