Which nozzle orientation produces the largest droplets in relation to the aircraft's level flight line?

The nozzle orientation that produces the largest droplets in relation to the aircraft's level flight line is set at 0°. When the nozzles are oriented at this angle, they direct the spray directly downward toward the target, creating a more uniform and larger droplet size. This configuration minimizes the shear forces experienced by the droplets as they exit the nozzle, preventing them from breaking into smaller droplets due to turbulence.

On the other hand, as the nozzle angle increases—such as at 30°, 45°, or 90°—the droplets are subjected to greater aerodynamic forces and wind shear, which can cause them to break apart into smaller droplets. A higher angle of orientation can also result in a wider dispersion of the spray pattern, but this is not ideal for achieving larger droplet size, as it contributes more to droplet atomization. Therefore, for maximizing droplet size while maintaining effective coverage on the target ailment, a 0° nozzle orientation is optimal.