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Old 12-03-2005, 03:35 AM   #9 (permalink)
TomND
1.4 Liter Trubocharged ECOTEC
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Minot/Fargo, ND
Posts: 59
Re: Will it take off?

As far as flight is concerned, it doesn't matter how fast the plane is moving in relation to the runway. The important thing is how fast the plane is moving in relation to the surrounding air. Since the plane in standing still in relation to the air, there will not be any lift. It doesn't matter how fast the wheels are turning, or how hard the engines are working. The jets will exert force on the plane, but there still won't be any forward motion in relation to the surrounding air. The jets don't generate lift, they just push on the plane, which is offset by the moving runway.


EDIT: ok, I'm not so sure about that now. I saw this discussion on another forum and now I'm totally confused.

Another edit: The plane will take off. The question is confusing because you think the conveyor belt keeps the plane stationary, but, since the wheels move freely, it does not. Even on a moving runway, the plane will still move forward and generate lift.

Last edited by TomND : 12-03-2005 at 04:26 AM.
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