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Thread: airplane on a treadmill

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  1. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by DropTopDrifter
    No, the plane only creates lift as airspeed increases. It will not create lift no matter how fast the treadmill is moving or how much thrust the jets are making if the plane is "stationary" in position on the treadmill.
    The plane wouldn't be stationary on the treadmill though. No matter how fast that treadmill moves, the plane will move forward in relation to an observer not on the treadmill, thus creating airspeed. Because a plane's wheels are free-rolling, the speed of the wheels/treadmill are irrelevant to the question. If you get past that the only thing this question is truly asking is "Can an airplane take off?"

    If you really want, I can draw it up and work some formulas for you with Boeing 747 specs. It would be nice practice for my Aerospace Engineering final on Thurs.
    Last edited by man; 12-12-2006 at 11:12 AM.
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