Aviation Enthusiast's Tale of Ruining a Flight Sim

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the realism of flight simulation, particularly focusing on the aerodynamics of a Boeing 747 during a vertical takeoff. Participants explore concepts related to aviation, aerodynamics, and the experience of engaging with flight simulation games.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of calculating the maximum angle of attack for a fully loaded Boeing 747 during a vertical takeoff, suggesting that such a maneuver would lead to an aerodynamic stall.
  • Another participant argues that the enjoyment of the game lies in its irreality, implying that the simulation does not need to adhere strictly to real-world physics.
  • Some participants propose that the game's aerodynamics may not be accurate, suggesting that a higher takeoff speed could allow for such a maneuver under certain conditions.
  • A later reply mentions that during demonstration flights, planes are typically not at maximum weight, which could influence performance in simulations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the realism of flight simulations and the implications of a vertical takeoff for a fully loaded 747. There is no consensus on the accuracy of the game's aerodynamics or the feasibility of the scenario presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the game's physics engine, the weight of the aircraft during the simulation, and the lack of specific conditions such as wind or other environmental factors that could affect flight performance.

Field physics
Messages
23
Reaction score
7
TL;DR
Do you guys and gals ruin movies, tv shows, games, etc with friends and family?
So my amazing wife ( a bio-chemist and gamer) was playing a flight sim. So, I love aerodynamics, aerospace engineering, and am a serious aviation enthusiast. I see that she is flying a Boeing 747 Freighter ( a heavy large 4 engine cargo plane) and she does a vertical takeoff. So mission was to take a fully loaded 747 across the Atlantic... I may or may not have mentioned that a fully loaded 747 would go into a aerodynamic stall trying to vertically climb... Then managed to go aviation nerd and I was calculating the max Angle of attack with a 747 max weight and no other factors like wind (I was thinking out loud as I was calculating) then before I got the answer she went to another room to peacefully fly her 747 lol. Anyone else got a experience to share about ruining a movie, TV show, game, etc and if so feel free to go full detail like I did.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.
Field physics said:
I see that she is flying a Boeing 747 Freighter ( a heavy large 4 engine cargo plane) and she does a vertical takeoff.
She was enjoying the irreality of a game, not flying a 747.
Those who say something is impossible, should not interrupt those who are doing it.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters, Lnewqban, jim mcnamara and 4 others
Welcome!

If you could do it, the aerodynamics of that game may not be very accurate... or that plane enjoyed a huge taking off speed.

 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Field physics
Lnewqban said:
Welcome!

If you could do it, the aerodynamics of that game may not be very accurate... or that plane enjoyed a huge taking off speed.


I higher speed may help but really during demonstrations planes aren't typical max weight. Thanks for your input!
 

Similar threads

Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K