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To: Company Man

It’s pretty simple, really. The plane is very heavy, and friction between the wheels and runway depends on the weight of the plane/vehicle. Lots of weight = lots of friction on a rough surface such as a runway. (Ice is a whole different discussion!)

There are lots of wheels, so the brake on each wheel only has to hold a fraction of the thrust. My car couldn’t hold that much back, but those airplane brakes are much bigger and designed to do just that.

You might also look at the same thing comparing the amount of power to each pound (or ton) of airplane. Big planes need big engines, and the plane is not easy to move, even with a lot of thrust. (Notice it takes a lot of time to get them rolling fast.) If it’s not easy to move, it’s not that hard to keep it from moving.


12 posted on 01/26/2016 11:34:09 AM PST by HeadOn (I've read the last chapter. We win.)
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To: HeadOn; Charles Martel

Thanks to both of you for your cogent replies. Plenty to mull over. The fact that only a single jet engine was in use blows me away, along side with that taxi and school bus.


19 posted on 01/26/2016 1:08:39 PM PST by Company Man (A riot is an ugly thing. AND I THINK THAT IT'S JUST ABOUT TIME WE HAD ONE!)
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