Re:Silent and Simple Ion Engine Powers a Plane with No Movin...
by schiffern on Wednesday November 21, 2018 @04:30PM
(#18506267)
>planes use most of their energy to not crash into the ground
Surprisingly, not by much!
To the first approximation an optimized plane will use 50% of its power during cruise generating lift ("not crashing into the ground"), and 50% of its power overcoming drag.[1] The tie is broken because planes expend extra more energy climbing than they save descending, and that's also part of "not crashing into the ground." :)
Surprisingly, not by much!
To the first approximation an optimized plane will use 50% of its power during cruise generating lift ("not crashing into the ground"), and 50% of its power overcoming drag.[1] The tie is broken because planes expend extra more energy climbing than they save descending, and that's also part of "not crashing into the ground." :)
[1] http://www.withouthotair.com/cC/page_272.shtml