FORCE IN ACTION IN FLIGHT

            Without taking in to account the force on the tail unit an aero plane, when flying straight and at constant level, it will be under the influence of four main forces.

 

                          01.     LIFT

                       The lift (L) of the main planes acting vertically upwards through the centre of pressure.

 

                                 02.GRAVITY

                The weight (W) of the aero plane acting vertically downwards through the centre of gravity.

 

                                                 03.THRUST

              The thrust (T) of the propeller is pulling force horizontally forward along the propeller shaft.
                  04.DRAG

              The drag (D) is acts horizontally backwards. This is the total drag on the aircraft consisting of the drag on the aero ­foils and also of the remaining parts of the aero plane.

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