A general, if a bit silly a question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a hypothetical scenario involving a standard 1988 Vauxhall Astra strapped to the top of a Boeing 747-400 during flight at cruising altitude and speed. Participants explore the implications of this situation on the car's structural integrity and performance under extreme conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the Boeing 747 would fly normally despite the added weight of the car, noting that 747s can operate with fewer engines without significant issues.
  • Another participant questions what would happen to the car itself, emphasizing that it was not designed for such extreme conditions.
  • Some participants propose that the car might be crushed or defragmented due to the high speed and altitude, while others speculate it could survive with some damage, such as losing windshield wipers or panels.
  • A reference is made to a video showing the effects of high speed on a different vehicle, suggesting a comparison to the Astra's potential fate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the outcome for the car, with various opinions on whether it would survive, be damaged, or be destroyed. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the car's fate in this scenario.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about the car's structural integrity and the effects of high-speed airflow are not fully explored, and there are no definitive conclusions drawn from the hypothetical situation.

Colour_TV
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Hello there, I joined in pondering a pretty weird question.

You see the Space Shuttle being given a "Piggy Back" on NASA's B747-200. But what if someone was to strap a completley standard, non modified 1988 Vauxhall Astra onto the top of a Boeing 747- 400, Take off to a crusing altitude of 30,000 feet at a speed of 535mph with a strong headwind?

A Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall-Astra-Mk3.jpg


A 747-400

747-400.jpg


a 1 ton car, a 400 ton plane, a car with an 90mph top speed, at 535mph with a strong head wind.
 

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And? What's your question?
 
It would fly perfectly normally.
747s can fly trans-atlantic with 3 engines, the drag of a disabled engine is much larger than a car.
 
The question is, what would happen to the car? Its a 1996 too a typoed. I am aware the plane would carry on
 
Quick answer, well, probably the car would be crushed, defragmented, or nothing at all. I mean the car was not designed to "run" in 30,000 feet, with 535 mph. Naturally thinking, that wouldn't be a good experience for the car.
The real answer is, well, either we do a good stimulation, or we actually do an experiment, or otherwise I don't know.
 
I suspect you'd rip the windshield wipers off, but other than that, it would probably be fine. There is a moderate risk of ripping off any panels that air could get under (like the hood or trunk).
 
This Lincoln only reached 280 mph and you can see what happens.
 
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