Can the Plane Take-Off?

[KenWittlief]

Originally Posted by EricH

If someone has a powered model airplane with landing gear (improvised or included), they should put it on a treadmill (in a big open area), run both, take a video, and post it here. I think that's the only sure way to answer the question.

It would be an interesting test. With the plane at a fixed throttle position you could measure the airspeed of the plane, with the treadmill still, and with it running, and see what effect it has on the planes airspeed.

It doesnt match the original problem/question, but you shoud be able to calculate the force the moving threadmill is applying to the plane (by the amount its airspeed is reduced) and extrapolate from there.

I think the answer you will get will be the same we have been saying since post #2 on page 1. The plane will take slightly longer to lift off than normal.