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While airplanes are catapulted from carriers due to the limited runway length available onboard, it's worth noting that they are fully capable of taking off fro
by P4u1 2y ago
While airplanes are catapulted from carriers due to the limited runway length available onboard, it's worth noting that they are fully capable of taking off from standard runways. On the other hand, a glider can only be launched using a catapult or by gliding off a cliff.
- ninjagoo 2y agoThese days, gliders/sailplanes are commonly launched using winches or tow planes. Motor gliders self-launch.
- tshaddox 2y agoOr into an intense headwind.
- lupusreal 2y agoWhen you catapult a plane that can't fly, it still can't fly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langley_Aerodrome#/media/File:Samuel_Pierpont_Langley_-_Potomac_experiment_1903.jpeg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langley_Aerodrome#/media/File:... The Wright flyer could and frequently did do circles around the field for several minutes after being catapulted. It was no glider.
- maxlybbert 2y agoThe Wright brothers did create a glider ( https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/1900-wright-glider-reproduction/nasm_A20050452000 https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/1900-wright-gl... ). They also created a powered airplane a gasoline engine and propellers ( https://www.nps.gov/articles/wrightflyer.htm https://www.nps.gov/articles/wrightflyer.htm ). They also continued to develop their planes after that first flight. I'm amused by the number of people I've met who seem to think that they flew around a little, then stuck everything in the barn and went back to bicycle making.