2 Answers
Will a plane traveling faster glide farther than a plane traveling slower once the engines shut down?
Asked by: curiousperson 3786 views Aerodynamics
All other things being equal, if there was complete engine failure in a passenger jet, would a plane traveling 500 mph glide farther than a plane traveling 400 mph?
There is logic to assuming the greater momentum of the 500 mph plane would carry it farther.
However optimum glide is affected by speed, and too much speed has a negative effect on overall distance. Since the 600 mph plane has to spend more time slowing down to optimum glide speed, I guess there is some possibility that the slower flying plane would have a longer glide distance.
What say you, oh wise internet.
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