Newton's First Law

"Every object persists in its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed on it."

If an aircraft is flying at a constant altitude and airspeed then:

Thrust must be equal to drag.

 

If thrust is increased:

The airplane will accelerate, which causes the speed to increase.
Drag will increase because it is dependent on airspeed.

 

Drag will increase until it once again equals thrust causing:

The airplane to hold a new constant speed which is higher than the previous airspeed.

 

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This page last updated Monday, July 17, 2000