Convert petanewton to kilogram-force

petanewton

Definition: Petanewton is a measure of force. For conversion purposes, its value is 1.0e15 times the reference unit, newton.

kilogram-force

Definition: A kilogram-force (symbol: kgf) is a unit of force in the gravitational metric system. It is defined as the magnitude of force applied to one kilogram of mass under the condition of standard gravity (9.80665 m/s2). One kilogram-force is therefore equal to 9.80665 N.

History/origin: Although the kilogram-force was used in some imprecise measurements of force in the past, it was not until 1901 when the General Conference of Weights and Measures adopted a standard acceleration due to gravity of 9.80665 m/s2 that the kilogram-force became a well-defined measurement of force. Prior to the adoption of the International System of Units (SI) in 1960, the kilogram force was used around the world in the space programs of countries like China, Germany, and Russia.

Current use: The kilogram-force has largely been replaced by the Newton, the SI derived unit of force, but is still used in China, and in some cases, by the European Space Agency, an intergovernmental agency consisting of 22 member states.