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Q:

How do airplanes fly without an engine?

A:

Modern day airplanes all have engines, but it is possible to fly without an engine. For example, with total engine failure, an airplane can continue to fly. If the force of thrust is lost, the airplane becomes a glider. The issue with no engine is the plane cannot go up anymore, but will just glide back down to the ground. 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on October 22, 2016 at 3:52 pm
Categories:
Propulsion
Structures & Materials
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