Originally Posted by
Mr Optimistic
... a linear calculation of height loss gives 113 fps 35000-6000, and a remarkably similar 111fps for the final 6000 feet. That would indicate a continuity in the vertical dynamics.
Theoretically that is a continuity.
In practical terms however, I have difficulties to see how an A330 @210t can arrive at the attitude described by BEA and which seems to be confirmed by the damage pattern of the wrecjage with a vertical velocity of 110fps = 6600ft/min.
That would be in the ballpark of a Cessna terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity for a flat falling A330 being somewhere around 240 - 250fps (at altitude even ~30% higher) there has to have been some discontinuity in the vertical speed during these 5 minutes.
When and how this discontinuity occured is at the moment unclear, at least to me.
Let's hope the recorders still contain usable data !