lift, weight, thrust and drag

A detailed Summary of lift, weight, thrust and drag


One of the first things that is likely to be noticed during a visit to the local airport is thewide variety of airplane styles and designs. No matter what each looks like like they alldepend on the the same four factors which are lift, weight, thrust, and drag

Lift is the upward force created by the effect of airflow as it passes over and under the wings. It supports the airplane in flight. Weight opposes lift. It is caused by the downward pull of gravity. Thrust is the forward force which propels the airplane through the air. It varies with the amount of engine power being used. Opposing thrust is drag, which is a backward, or retarding, force that limits the speed of the airplane.

Lift is the key aerodynamic force. It is the force that opposes weight. In straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight, when weight and lift are equal, an airplane is in a state of equilibrium. If the other aerodynamic factors remain constant, that airplane neither gains nor loses altitude. When an airplane is stationary on the ramp, it is also in equilibrium, but the aerodynamic forces are not a


In conclusion, all planes need the four forces of flight so that they are able to fly. These things are quite unique in their own way but without these things the planes would never be able to fly.

The direction in which the force of weight acts is constant. It always acts straight down toward the center of the earth.

creates more drag and lift than a small, moderately cambered wing. If the airspeed is increased, or angle of attack, the drag and lift increases. Drag acts in opposition to the direction of flight, opposes the forward-acting force of thrust, and limits the forward speed of the airplane. Drag is broadly classified as either parasite or induced.

The weight of the airplane is not a constant. It varies with the equipment installed, passengers, cargo, and fuel load. During the course of a flight, the total weight of the airplane decreases as fuel is consumed. Additional weight reduction may also occur during some specialized flight activities, such as crop dusting, fire fighting, or sky diving flights.

previous one. When the thrust is reduced thrust, the force of d

Some common words found in the essay are:
, drag lift, equilibrium aerodynamic, upper lower surfaces, lower surfaces wing, maintains constant airspeed, shape wing, lift caused, angle attack, aerodynamic force, thrust exceeds, weight airplane, force opposes, thrust force,

Approximate Word count = 735
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Science

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