Thread: Answer to the aeroplane problem on Facebook

given sufficient thrust and ignoring both the friction in wheel bearings and the structural & engineering impossibility of getting both the tyres and such a "conveyor belt" up to double take-off speed , it would take off - the wheels on an aircraft do not "drive" - they are, in effect, freewheeling.

oh oh...here we go, was a torrid debate about this on here a while back. For the record, airflow over the aerofoil(wing) provides lift.

Here we go again but to answer your question, NO for the reasons Gordie stated.

Of course it will take off. The wheels are NOT driven.

Slunnie! you stirrer!!!

It can NOT lift off...

The reason it can not do so is it cannot meet ALL requirements of the question and comply.

So take out:
the airflow over the wing
Thrust from the engines not the wheels

To meet all the requirements of the question the result is impossible.

To take flight airspeed (flow over wings) must be sufficient to provide lift
But the conveyor is claimed to match any attempt to move through the air whilst rolling.
To move through the air the conveyor would need the aircraft to move along it.
But the question states that it can not.

What would happen is the PLC would run to infinity and it would go bad!!!

So unless there was a force gale sufficient to exceed the wind speed over the wings to produce lift and get the wheels clear of the belt - no, it can not take flight!

Originally Posted by 67hardtop

Of course it will take off. The wheels are NOT driven.

Partly correct, wrong outcome! Read the question...

Originally Posted by Gordie

oh oh...here we go, was a torrid debate about this on here a while back. For the record, airflow over the aerofoil(wing) provides lift.

You are correct, but the question is phrased to cancel out that fact.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Slunnie! you stirrer!!!

I wondered if you'd jump on!