History of Airplanes by Suzanne Hartwell

· The web page explains how a plane creates lift; how the plane flies.

· It also shows the difference between planes today and the first plane that took flight with power; the Wright Brother’s plane.

o The other picture of a plane is the more modern Air Force plane call the F-22 Raptor.

· Lift is produced by two things:

o The pressure above the wing is less than the pressure under the wing.

o The velocity of air flow over the wing is greater than the velocity under the wing.

o The shape of the wing helps create these two things.

· The different shapes of the wing are used for different kinds of planes.

o A thicker wing with a flat bottom is best used for a large plane, usually a bomber or a plane mainly used for transport. The thickness creates a more stable plane and a lower speed.

o A thinner wing is best used for a fighter plane so it is faster and more maneuverable.

Sources:

— Cleared for Takeoff. King Schools Inc. Revision D. 2002.