Less friction. (ships continuously have to push their way through water, and planes only have to push through air)
Planes have a better thrust to weight ratio.
An aircraft is streamlined to reduce aerodynamic drag, which enhances its efficiency and performance during flight. The streamlined design allows air to flow smoothly over the surface, minimizing turbulence and resistance. This results in improved fuel efficiency, higher speeds, and better overall stability. By optimizing the shape, aircraft can achieve greater lift and maneuverability while conserving energy.
When the weight of an aircraft increases, the minimum drag speed, also known as the stall speed, typically increases as well. This is because a heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to generate enough lift to maintain flight, leading to increased induced drag. As a result, the speed at which the aircraft experiences the least drag, while still maintaining lift, also rises. Therefore, with greater weight, pilots must fly at higher speeds to achieve optimal performance and safety.
Aircraft that achieve forward propulsion by expelling a stream of fluid are known as jet aircraft. They utilize jet engines, which work by rapidly expelling exhaust gases to create thrust, following Newton's third law of motion. This principle allows them to achieve high speeds and efficiency in flight. Examples include commercial airliners and military fighter jets.
Drag is a resistance force that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air, primarily caused by air friction and pressure differences. To make planes go faster, engineers design aircraft to minimize drag through streamlined shapes, smooth surfaces, and advanced materials. Reducing drag allows for more efficient propulsion and higher speeds, as less energy is wasted overcoming air resistance. Additionally, increasing thrust from the engines can also help the aircraft overcome drag and achieve faster speeds.
The takeoff speed of a commercial jetliner typically ranges from 130 to 180 knots (about 150 to 207 miles per hour), depending on various factors such as the aircraft's weight, configuration, and environmental conditions. Larger aircraft may require higher speeds, while smaller jets can take off at lower speeds. Each aircraft type has specific performance charts that detail the exact takeoff speeds needed for safe operation.
It is easier to fly faster than the speed of sound at higher altitudes because the air density is lower. This results in less drag on the aircraft, allowing it to reach greater speeds more easily. Additionally, the speed of sound is lower at higher altitudes due to the decrease in temperature, giving aircraft more margin to exceed this speed.
The average vertical takeoff speed for aircraft can vary significantly depending on the type and size of the aircraft. For helicopters, vertical takeoff speeds typically range from 40 to 60 knots, while small drones may take off at speeds as low as 10 knots. Larger aircraft, such as military vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft, can have higher takeoff speeds, often exceeding 100 knots. Overall, the average vertical takeoff speed is highly dependent on the specific design and purpose of the aircraft.
Navy ships typically travel at speeds ranging from 20 to 30 knots (approximately 23 to 35 miles per hour), depending on their class and design. For example, aircraft carriers and destroyers can reach speeds of around 30 knots, while amphibious assault ships may operate at slightly lower speeds. Some specialized vessels, like submarines, can achieve higher speeds, particularly when submerged. Overall, the speed of navy ships is influenced by their mission requirements and operational capabilities.
No, an aircraft can travel at speeds of 500 MPH and faster, so to stop an aircraft would result in it having to land.
Turbojets increase efficiency at high speeds because they rely on the forward motion of the aircraft to compress incoming air, which reduces the amount of work the engine has to do compared to slower speeds. This allows turbojets to produce more thrust for the same amount of fuel, resulting in improved efficiency at higher speeds.
The V-22 Osprey has a maximum speed of approximately 280 knots, which is about 322 miles per hour (518 kilometers per hour). This tiltrotor aircraft can transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight, allowing it to achieve higher speeds compared to conventional helicopters. Its unique design enables it to combine the capabilities of both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.
Fighter aircraft achieve high speeds by use of a high-efficiency turbofan engine. The air is compressed by high speeds and by a turbofan, and is mixed with gasoline. The highly flammable mix of gasoline and oxygen is ignited, and exhaust from the combustion propels the craft.