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Old 8th Sep 2000, 16:04
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Dr. Red
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Question Physics of inverted flight

This is probably a stupid question, but here goes:

As we all know, many aircraft are capable of flying inverted and performing all sorts of aerobatic stunts.

As I understand it, wings keep the aircraft aloft due to the lower pressure maintained over the top of the wing as it is curved.

How is it, then, that planes flying inverted are capable of maintaining a positive rate of climb? Surely the overwheling force on the wings is downwards?

And what about stalls? Surely the airflow over the inverted wing is going to get messed up very quickly?

I know there is a logical explanation to this, but I can't figure it out with my limited knowlege...


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