Aviation Enthusiast's Tale of Ruining a Flight Sim

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unrealistic flight dynamics in flight simulators, specifically regarding the Boeing 747 Freighter's capabilities during vertical takeoff. The user highlights the aerodynamic limitations of a fully loaded 747, emphasizing the risk of aerodynamic stall at high angles of attack. The conversation also touches on the discrepancies between real-world aviation principles and the mechanics of flight simulation games, suggesting that these games often do not accurately represent the physics of flight.

PREREQUISITES
  • Aerodynamics principles, particularly related to heavy aircraft like the Boeing 747
  • Understanding of flight simulation mechanics and their limitations
  • Knowledge of angle of attack and its impact on aircraft performance
  • Familiarity with the concept of aerodynamic stall in aviation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the aerodynamic characteristics of the Boeing 747, including maximum takeoff weight and performance limits
  • Explore the physics engine used in popular flight simulators to understand their accuracy
  • Learn about the implications of angle of attack in various flight scenarios
  • Investigate common misconceptions in flight simulation regarding aircraft capabilities
USEFUL FOR

Aviation enthusiasts, flight simulation gamers, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the intersection of real-world aviation principles and simulated flight experiences.

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.
 
  • 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.
 
  • 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.

 
  • 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

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K