Since I'm at the airport, can a plane take off...

C

CowpokeU

Well-known member
Messages
6,558
At full speed on a treadmill? This question haunts me.

Also pics for proof
MVIMG-20190917-085634.jpg

IMG_20190917_085526.jpg
 
CowpokeU said:
Okay, here's what we gotta do, pitch this collectively to Myth Buster's to see once and for all if it's possible. They'll be able to put the leg work in for a giant treadmill.
Click to expand...


MythBusters Episode 97: Airplane on a Conveyor Belt
Premier Date: January 30, 2008

An airplane cannot take off from a runway which is moving backwards (like a treadmill) at a speed equal to its normal ground speed during takeoff.
BUSTED
First some small-scale tests were performed with a model airplane on a treadmill and the plane was able to take off. For the large-scale test, the MythBusters used a 400 pound ultralight aircraft with a 2000 foot tarp under it. The tarp was pulled backwards to simulate a moving runway. The ultralight pilot had no trouble taking off. This is because the thrust of the airplane engines acts on the air, not on the ground.
 
RTR...USN (ret) said:
MythBusters Episode 97: Airplane on a Conveyor Belt
Premier Date: January 30, 2008

An airplane cannot take off from a runway which is moving backwards (like a treadmill) at a speed equal to its normal ground speed during takeoff.
BUSTED
First some small-scale tests were performed with a model airplane on a treadmill and the plane was able to take off. For the large-scale test, the MythBusters used a 400 pound ultralight aircraft with a 2000 foot tarp under it. The tarp was pulled backwards to simulate a moving runway. The ultralight pilot had no trouble taking off. This is because the thrust of the airplane engines acts on the air, not on the ground.
Click to expand...
One would think it would be obvious. I mean it's not rocket surgery. ;)
 
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