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Q:

Can an airplane lift off without achieving its maximum speed?

A:

Often, large transport airplanes do lift without maximum speed, though some smaller planes may use their full power to lift off. As long as the airplane is able to develop enough speed to make the air on top of its wings move faster than the air on bottom, then it will be able to produce lift!

Ask an Explainer
Posted on September 28, 2015 at 9:18 am
Categories:
Forces of Flight
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