The distinction between the free speed condition (under which glide range is always the same, but achieved at a higher speed for the heavier plane) vs the assigned speed condition (under which the heavier plane, at the same speed, has a longer glide range) has been made how many times by now? Yet people continue making posts under one condition, then get told they're wrong by someone, thinking under the other condition, both providing reasoning (under the respective condition) that has already been posted half a dozen times each.
So, once again...
Originally Posted by
Pugilistic Animus
The heavier plane at glide speed will reach the same position as a lighter plane,
only faster...if a made an error don't crucify me
Originally Posted by
Double Back
Pugilistic, no, it doesn't.
...
Airplanes (airliners here) can select their own (descent) path angle, but speed is many times limited to MMO (Max Mach number), or later, IAS. In general, You will make a kind of "cruise descent" with about the same speeds as You were cruising level, before the descent.
The heavy one HAS to select a flatter angle in order not to overspeed.
Originally Posted by
Vessbot
You are both right, under different conditions.
If speed is unconstrained, then best glide angle is the same at all weights. But at a higher weight, that best glide angle is achieved at a higher speed.
If speed is constrained to a certain number, then glide angle (not best, just glide angle) is shallower at a higher weight.