PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Why don't jets fly higher?
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Old 30th June 2000 | 19:34
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sparky
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The weight and dimensions of the aircraft are also factors. The amount of thrust and lift required to allow something like to A3XX to cruise higher would be enormous. There is also the increase in drag created by such large aircraft that is not as much of a problem a higher speeds with something as sleek and slender as concorde. The local mach numbers would increase and cause buffeting. Fuel consumption would be massive and increase the operating costs dramatically. The list goes on......