Effect of Wind Gradient on Glide and Climb

Abstract

The problem of an aircraft flying through a head wind that increases with altitude is examined. The equations of motion are set up and solved for flight at constant air speed in a wind that varies linearly. I t is found that to fly under these conditions the angle of attack must be quickly adjusted to a steady value and that the flight is subsequently at constant atti tude, angle of attack, and elevator angle. The path is parabolic, the glide being extended and the climb contracted. Graphs are given of glide characteristics for a typical light aircraft.