fakepilot -
The relationship between thrust and lift is identical to the relationship between drag and lift. We call this the lift/drag ratio, or L/D. The number can range between 5 and 50, depending on the cleanliness of the design. Sailplanes might exceed 50 - and the Harrier etc. might be much lower than 5.
The L/D can also be called the
glide ratio. If a plane can glide, power off, for 20 miles while losing 1 mile in altitude, then its L/D is 20.
barit1
(aeronerd)
