Can the Plane Take-Off?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Waiakea12

I think that it all depends on the size, Power, and overall weight of the plane. The "runway" size also matters.

WHAT ABOUT THE FIGHTER PLANES THAT CAN TAKE OFF AND LAND VERTICALLY AS WELL AS HORIZONTALLY? DOES THIS APPLY TO THEM??

(Don't kill each other over this one!!! lol)

P.S.- I'm a little bit late in this thread, sorry.

Actually, plane size doesn't matter. The thrust amounts are calculated to lift each plane type. See, plane weight and size are taken into account when planning for power (thrust is the technical term on aircraft). There is always power to spare--that is, the plane will be able to take off at maximum weight, guaranteed, or the mechanic or designer is looking for a new job.

But yes, the runway size matters. The Mythbusters started with a conveyor that was too short for their R/C plane, and it went off...

And I already suggested the VTOL aircraft. That's cheating!

[BigWhiteYeti]

If any of you have watched Mythbusters recently, they proved it can be done! Think about it. Planes derive their power from propellers or jets, each of which move air. This forces the plane forward relative to the air, not the ground. The wheels are free-spinning, so they will move twice as fast when the plane takes off upon reaching its take-off airspeed. Airspeed and groundspeed are totally different principles.

As for the Mythbusters, they pulled a really long mat with a pickup and had an ultralite take off successfully. Look it up!