Quote:
Originally posted by Branden Burden:
NY - now we are getting close, you have almost gotten yourself to the right answer.

As an observer standing away from the plane, what would you see, starting from the beginning?

The plane is standing still, the conveyor is not moving.

The plane starts it's engines, just like the big rev just before a takeoff. Instantly the thrust force creates an acceleration, lets say 1m/s^2.

1 second later the plane is traveling at 1m/s. The belt, which matches the plane's velocity, is now also spinning at 1m/s.

However, since there is no real force between the plane and the belt, there is no way for the belt to prevent the plane from moving down the runway. As the observer standing away from the plane, you would see it speeding down the runway, with a conveyor belt running like mad under it.

This means the plane is in fact moving down the runway, like a normal takeoff.

After say 10 sec, the plane is now at full speed, near the end of the conveyor belt, lift takes over and off it goes.

Let me ask you this Madman - starting from the beginning illustrate what you think will happen.
Where are you coming from with the 'There is no force between the belt and the plane'. Did we suddenly hack the wheels off and remove Gravity or something? smile