What is a V-n diagram and what does it show?

A V-n diagram (also called flight envelope diagram) plots load factor (n, in g's) versus airspeed, defining the structural and aerodynamic limits of the aircraft. It shows: maximum positive and negative load factors (determined by structural limits), stall boundaries (curved lines where CLmax limits achievable load factor), corner speed or maneuvering speed (Va, where stall and structural limits intersect), and dive speed limits. The V-n diagram defines the flight envelope within which the aircraft is designed to operate safely and is essential for structural design and certification.