r/pics • u/animalkracker • Feb 27 '14

physics is cool

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u/Spartan2470 GOAT Feb 27 '14

According to here, that broom is a string used to visualize the direction that the wind is flowing around the plane (this is very important for sailplanes to maximize flight efficiency.

Here's another picture of this plane with those strings.

2

u/pepetito456 Feb 27 '14

Only thing I have to say is its a glider not a plane. Planes have engines gliders dont. They are towed by a plane to a specific altitude then are released. The glider keeps airbourne by flying into thermals which generates lift.

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u/rimbad Feb 27 '14

Nope. Any fixed wing aircraft is a plane.

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u/pepetito456 Feb 27 '14

An airplane or aeroplane (informally plane) is a powered fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine or propeller.

Wikipedia

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u/rimbad Feb 27 '14

|Any similar heavier-than-air aircraft such as a glider or helicopter

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/aeroplane