Quote:
Originally Posted by AAKEE
Bottom of the drag curve, lovest foot per minute descent.
On the high speed side of the drag curve, where a straight line from origo(at zero winds) meets the drag curve, you would find the speed for best glide i guess ?
No, you seem to be confusing the drag curve with the power curve.
Maximum range is at the bottom of the drag curve, but on the power curve it's where it meets the tangent from the origin.
But doesn't that only apply in cruising flight? When lift equals weight, then best L/D is at minimum drag, by definition. But it was my understanding that in a glide, the lift vector will be greater than weight, and will vary with speed such that best glide will be at a higher speed (more lift) than max range speed (minimum drag) or the even slower max endurance speed (minimum power).
I know it's a bit pedantic, and probably off topic, but I had it straight in my mind until now...