What is the Shallowest Aircraft Glide Angle?

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SUMMARY

The shallowest glide angle in aircraft is determined by the lift-to-drag ratio (L/D), which is maximized at a specific angle of attack (AoA). For gliders, this ratio can reach approximately 40:1, allowing them to cover 40 feet horizontally for every foot of altitude lost. In contrast, an F-16 fighter jet achieves a glide ratio of only 1:1, necessitating the use of ejection seats during emergencies. Understanding these ratios is crucial for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lift-to-drag ratio (L/D)
  • Knowledge of angle of attack (AoA)
  • Familiarity with aircraft types, specifically gliders and fighter jets
  • Basic principles of aerodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the aerodynamic principles behind lift-to-drag ratio (L/D)
  • Study the effects of angle of attack (AoA) on glide performance
  • Explore the glide ratios of various aircraft types, including gliders and military jets
  • Learn about emergency procedures and safety measures in aviation, particularly ejection seat mechanisms
USEFUL FOR

Aviation enthusiasts, pilots, aerodynamics students, and anyone interested in understanding aircraft performance and safety measures during gliding.

Imtheking
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What is the shallowest angle of glide in aircraft?
 
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What Do you mean? Yaw, roll or pitch? Aside from that, the answer depends on the plane and the conditions.
 
Do you mean the best glide ratio? Thats where the L/D is maximum. You can plot L/D vs AoA.
 
My first thought was that he meant AoA itself. Of course, then his question wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, but then again, it doesn't when you interpret it a glide ratio either... oh well.
 
Cyrus said:
Do you mean the best glide ratio? Thats where the L/D is maximum. You can plot L/D vs AoA.

This will, by definition, result in the shallowest glide angle.
 
A glider can typically cover 40ft for a drop of 1 ft.

An F-16 fighter jet will do only 1:1 (a good reason to have an ejection seat).
 
Dr Lots-o'watts said:
A glider can typically cover 40ft for a drop of 1 ft.

An F-16 fighter jet will do only 1:1 (a good reason to have an ejection seat).

If that. We used to watch the viper drivers do FO's into Pope in the early 90s, and they were something to see. We'd thought they simply pancake, but they were simply maintaining or building enough airspeed for a flare.

I have tons of military aviation experience, but I still marvel at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JCA/is_12_12/ai_n6100350/".

Ah... walking to the airfield. Thank God he didn't have to.
 
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