Mythbusters tonight - Page 3

kennith · #21 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:14 PM

It will take off. There need be no debate. For the reason why, which reads much more complex than it is, read the following:

Even if the plane starts off moving backward in relation to the ground, the propellor, when engaged, will begin to slow the plane in relation to the treadmill, and eventually overtake it entirely. Once the plane itself is moving at twice the initial speed of treadmill relative to the ground, that being it's own takeoff speed relative to the ground, it will lift normally.

That is the most extreme scenario. Even if you are calling the airspeed relative to the treadmill, simple physics allow the plane to take off. Unless you nail it to the treadmill or stick it in a vacuum, it's going to lift off.

So long as the wheel bearings are good for twice the liftoff speed, there will be no issue at all.

It's like mounting rollerskates to the side of the space shuttle. It's not going to affect anything in any appreciable way.

It doesn't just seem simple. It IS simple. Every forum I'm on has been discussing this. There is nothing to discuss. It will take off.

Cheers,

Kennith

JoshuaTest · #22 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:23 PM

everybody know's a plane could take off just fine from a treadmill....

Can anybody come up with any reason why it couldn't?

huh?

huh?

huh?

anybody...

Didn't think so...

There is NO reason why a plane could not take off from a treadmill..

NONE !

So stop debating it...

IT IS 100% Possible..

I mean think about it... A plane could take off from grass (the farmers do it all the time), and plane can take off from pavement, and even in the desert... all you need is a flat surface basically...

Now... you would need a REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG threadmill, OR one of those military planes that can take off in place... BUT..... either way, thats a really friggin big treadmill...

So....

anybody know somebody with a mile long treadmill?

kennith · #23 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:24 PM

I hope everyone in the world watches that show, to end the darn debate.

Cheers,

Kennith

njnismo · #24 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:31 PM

What if they were to turn the treadmill on full speed, turn the plane around and drop it on the treadmill. That would launch it with quite some force. Anyone ever see someone go flying of of the treadmill at the gym?

Avplayer · #25 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:31 PM

i think every is misuderstanding the myth...if a plane were to be on a huge treadmill and the treaeddmill was moving underneath at takeoff speed and the engines are running....but the plan itslef isn't moving THROUGH the air...THEN IT WILL NOT TAKE OFF!!!! NO LIFT!!!

New&blue · #26 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

When I run on treadmills, I dont remember any air blowing by me. Do people understand that a plane REQUIRES air to lift it off the ground? If somehow the plane rocketed forward and travelled enough distance to get the required air then yes, but it won't magically take off like a kite in a gale when the tread stops.

you do realize that an aircrafts wheels and landing gear have nothing to do with propelling said aircraft?

once the propeller(or turbine)starts pulling the aircraft its wheelspeed is irrelevant to its forward momentum and it wouldnt make a difference if it was on a treadmill or still asphault

CT_Nismo · #27 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 09:04 PM

How can so many people be so confused?

Imagine an arrow painted on the wing pointing backwards. Observe the air in relation to this arrow. If there is sufficient air speed in the direction described by the arrow, you have lift and the plane can fly. Ignore the wheels, treadmill, grass and asphalt.

Here is a question that requires real thinking: A plane at the north pole takes off and flies due south for 10 hours. When it lands will it be on the same longitude it took off at?

Avplayer · #28 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_Nismo

How can so many people be so confused?

Imagine an arrow painted on the wing pointing backwards. Observe the air in relation to this arrow. If there is sufficient air speed in the direction described by the arrow, you have lift and the plane can fly. Ignore the wheels, treadmill, grass and asphalt.

Here is a question that requires real thinking: A plane at the north pole takes off and flies due south for 10 hours. When it lands will it be on the same longitude it took off at?

i can't think THAT hard....