4 ms·
I had the impression it took off downhill for that flight, failing my criterion, but it actually took off from level ground with a strong headwind. I'll give it
by Zak 2y ago
I had the impression it took off downhill for that flight, failing my criterion, but it actually took off from level ground with a strong headwind. I'll give it partial credit; I don't think its rail would have been long enough in calm wind.
- WalterBright 2y agoFun fact: all airplanes take off into the wind as much as possible.
- Zak 2y agoI know, but any practical airplane can take off in calm wind from level ground. The first Wright Flyer required a strong headwind or downhill angle.
- WalterBright 2y agoThe Flyer was on a rail with a wheeled cart. The fact that it moved forward under its own power (faster than Orville could run) demonstrated that it could take off in a calm, just that the rail would have had to be longer. Their experiments with it ended when a gust flipped it on the ground and broke it beyond repair.