Can a Boeing 777 survive diving into the ocean like a bird?

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In summary, the theoretical possibility of a Boeing 777 hitting the ocean at the perfect angle and speed without breaking apart is a definite no. Although there have been instances of large planes making successful water landings, this does not define a perfect angle as the plane would still not be able to become a submarine. The angle would have to be close to zero and the wings would need to be tucked in, similar to how a pelican dives for fish. However, this is not possible for a jetliner due to the hydraulic environment of the water and the high stall speed of the plane. Overall, the perfect angle for a jetliner to hit the water without breaking apart does not exist.
  • #1
wahoo
Hi guys, firstly, I am NOT a physicist and I apologize for invading your forum, but I am curious about something:

Is it theoretically possible for a Boeing 777 to hit the ocean at the perfect angle and speed so that it dives right through the water, like a diving sea bird, without breaking apart? I realize that birds tuck their wings when they dive and the wings separating are the sticking point for me right now.

Hopefully there are some Hyper Physicists or Aviation Engineers hanging around.

Thanks so much for your time.

p.s. I'm assuming a perfectly calm sea
 
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  • #2
Doesn't really take much of an engineer to tell you that the answer to that is a definite no. Hitting water at even the stall speed of a 777 wouldn't be a lot less gentle than hitting the ground and even if the front went in, the wings would rip off
 
  • #3
I'm not an aerospace engineer, but I think phinds is right.

There have been instances of large planes making water landings "successfully", though:

plane_crash_redux_01.jpg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549

This might suggest the "perfect angle" is close to zero.
 
  • #4
Agree with both.

[edit: why does my post have a title?]
 
  • #5
lisab said:
I'm not an aerospace engineer, but I think phinds is right.

There have been instances of large planes making water landings "successfully", though: This might suggest the "perfect angle" is close to zero.

Yes, and I think you realize it fully, but just want to be clear that that does NOT define a "perfect angle" in response to his question, which has the plane becoming a submarine, but rather answers the question "what's the best angle to hit the water and FLOAT and not break up?".

The answer to his question as asked is, there is no such angle.
 
  • #6
Thanks a lot guys. I figured that may be the case, but wanted educated opinions.
 
  • #7
russ_watters said:
[edit: why does my post have a title?]

That's because you're lucky, post #4. :biggrin:
 
  • #8
And why, you might ask, does post #4 have a title? Because Evo couldn't always remember the thread title when she was halfway down the thread, so Greg agreed to add the title back to the 4th post so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back to the top to find it.
 
  • #9
Evo said:
And why, you might ask, does post #4 have a title? Because Evo couldn't always remember the thread title when she was halfway down the thread, so Greg agreed to add the title back to the 4th post so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back to the top to find it.
Wait, really?
 
  • #10
russ_watters said:
Wait, really?
Yes. Ask and ye shall receive. When I'm moderating a thread in GD, often by the time I get to the thread bottom I'm wondering What the Heck was this thread supposed to be about? Often you can't tell from the posts, and we didn't have the wormhole.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
And why, you might ask, does post #4 have a title? Because Evo couldn't always remember the thread title when she was halfway down the thread, so Greg agreed to add the title back to the 4th post so I wouldn't have to scroll all the way back to the top to find it.

Actually that helps me too. At my age I do occasionally forget the title of a thread.:redface: It is usually a bit further down than post four.:devil:

I was just thinking that this might discourage people who are about to go off topic. Oops that was off topic.
 
  • #12
wahoo said:
Hi guys, firstly, I am NOT a physicist and I apologize for invading your forum, but I am curious about something:

Is it theoretically possible for a Boeing 777 to hit the ocean at the perfect angle and speed so that it dives right through the water, like a diving sea bird, without breaking apart? I realize that birds tuck their wings when they dive and the wings separating are the sticking point for me right now.

Hopefully there are some Hyper Physicists or Aviation Engineers hanging around.

Thanks so much for your time.

p.s. I'm assuming a perfectly calm sea

Can't resist this one,
As others have said NO!
The perfect angle for the fuselage is 90 degrees to the water surface, (it might be OK) but the wings now produce lift in a hydraulic (non compressible) environment which would rip them from the body (instantly).
 
  • #13
RonL said:
Can't resist this one,
As others have said NO!
The perfect angle for the fuselage is 90 degrees to the water surface, (it might be OK) but the wings now produce lift in a hydraulic (non compressible) environment which would rip them from the body (instantly).

Ever watch pelicans dive for fish?

They fold their wings in and way back from flying position, and their long long beak breaks the water.

(photo courtesy of http://jerryjourdan.blogspot.com/2009/11/sanibel-island-fl-21-nov-2009.html)

BrownPelican8597b.jpg


and a pelican's stall speed is maybe a tenth of a jetliner's .
 
  • #14
jim hardy said:
Ever watch pelicans dive for fish?

They fold their wings in and way back from flying position, and their long long beak breaks the water.

(photo courtesy of http://jerryjourdan.blogspot.com/2009/11/sanibel-island-fl-21-nov-2009.html)

BrownPelican8597b.jpg


and a pelican's stall speed is maybe a tenth of a jetliner's .

Yes, with a very short history of Gulf shrimping that is a very common sight, also I have watched a hawk take the same path from about 500' into a field of grass and weeds, then fly out with a snake in his claws. I would love to see how he checked his descent at those last few feet ??

What are you indicating in relation to the jet plane ?
 
  • #15
What are you indicating in relation to the jet plane ?

Same things you said in #12:

Pelican enters with his fuselage perpendicular

but is able to streamline his wings so they aren't snapped off.
 
  • #16
jim hardy said:
Same things you said in #12:

Pelican enters with his fuselage perpendicular

but is able to streamline his wings so they aren't snapped off.

Thanks Jim,
Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss the intended point, :smile:
 

1. Can a Boeing 777 survive diving into the ocean like a bird?

It is highly unlikely that a Boeing 777 could survive a dive into the ocean like a bird. The structural design and capabilities of an airplane are vastly different from those of a bird, making it impossible for a plane to survive such an impact.

2. What would happen if a Boeing 777 attempted to dive into the ocean like a bird?

If a Boeing 777 attempted to dive into the ocean like a bird, it would most likely experience structural failure and break apart upon impact. The forces and pressures of the ocean would be too great for the plane to withstand, causing it to disintegrate.

3. Are there any recorded instances of a Boeing 777 successfully diving into the ocean like a bird?

No, there are no recorded instances of a Boeing 777 successfully diving into the ocean like a bird. In fact, it is highly unlikely for any aircraft to survive such an impact.

4. Can modern technology make it possible for a Boeing 777 to survive diving into the ocean like a bird?

Despite advancements in technology, it is still not possible for a Boeing 777 to survive diving into the ocean like a bird. The structural limitations of an airplane and the immense forces of the ocean make it impossible for such a feat to be achieved.

5. Would a Boeing 777 be able to glide into the ocean like a bird?

No, a Boeing 777 would not be able to glide into the ocean like a bird. While some planes are capable of gliding to an extent, the design and weight of a Boeing 777 would make it impossible for it to glide smoothly into the ocean. In addition, the impact of hitting the water at high speeds would most likely cause the plane to break apart.

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