Lift is just drag directed upwards. The difference between lift and
drag is really just a thought convenience and not a physical
destination. The lift in an airplane wing has a slightly backwards
component which is why adding weight slows the airplane.
The term "going ballistic" refers to pushing over the nose of a fast
plane so that the plane goes into a zero G state. Since the plane no
longer weighs anything, the wings no longer have to create lift
(therefore it is "ballistic" like a bullet), drag is dramatically
reduced, and speed increases. This requires a downward curved flight
path so can't be maintained for long.
--
Roger Long
|