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Q:

Would it be possible to fly a plane if it had 3 engines? One engine on one side and two on the other?

A:

Yes, you can fly a plane with 3 engines. One engine on one side and two on the other side. Flying is about controlling the four forces of flight, in this case, thrust.

as long as the 2 engines on one side are producing the same amount of thrust as the engine on the other side you will be balanced in regards to thrust. In addition, as long as your thrust from your engines is greater than your drag, and the lift from your wings is greater than the weight of the aircraft, you will be stable in flight. For more information on the forces of flight and stability check out the How Things Fly Website at https://howthingsfly.si.edu/forces-flight.

 

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