Gliding Descent to Save Fuel
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On landing the Space Shuttle has 3 braking systems: split drag brake on the tail , wheel brakes, drag chute. It has NO fuel left for the engines and NO way to abort the landing and go-around. Once they fire the OMS engines to de-orbit they are committed to a glider landing.
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If we always had unlimited runway lenght, there would be no problem in CDAs.
Just make the approach at a few knots above Vref, make an early flare, float for a while, watch pitch to prevent a tailstrike and touch down nicely.
I am sure we all have done this a few times after a visual approach (when runway available was not an issue).
I guess that is what the space shuttle does, basically
Just make the approach at a few knots above Vref, make an early flare, float for a while, watch pitch to prevent a tailstrike and touch down nicely.
I am sure we all have done this a few times after a visual approach (when runway available was not an issue).
I guess that is what the space shuttle does, basically
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A postscript to this thread I started - the press finally realises that Qantas is in the game:
'Perfect flight path': Qantas expands GPS use
'Perfect flight path': Qantas expands GPS use
Qantas is expanding its use of the latest generation GPS-based navigation systems to some Melbourne flights that promises "a perfect flight path, gate to gate ", which is expected to save oceans of fuel, tonnes of greenhouse gases, flying hours, time and money. From today, Qantas 737-800s flying in and out of Melbourne will be using a cutting-edge flight system called "RNP" — Required Navigational Performance.
