Was looking at specifications for an eclipse 550 jet.
Maximum speed: 432 mph (694 km/h, 375 kn)
Cruise speed: 430 mph (690 km/h, 370 kn
How can the max speed be 2mph faster than the cruise speed? Surely a gust of wind or nudge of the throttle will cause this change? Is this incorrect data? I seem to remember seeing similar data for other aircraft.
In: Physics
Imagine driving a car at 100mph on a treadmill that’s moving it ahead at 50mph. Is the car rated to go 100mph or 150mph?
Similar with planes. Their capabilities are measured as if the air is still. Sometimes they’re moving against the wind, and sometimes they’re moving with the wind. Both will affect the real speed.
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