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When does the maximum horizontal speed occur?

  • A

    The maximum thrust is equal to the total drag.

  • B

    The thrust is equal to minimum drag.

  • C

    At VMD speed.

  • D

    The thrust is equal to the maximum drag.

Refer to figure.
MAXIMUM SPEED
If the thrust available exceeds the thrust required in level flight, then the aeroplane will climb, unless the throttles/thrust levers are adjusted to maintain level flight. If level flight is maintained using the control column and trimmers without adjusting the throttles/thrust levers, the aeroplane will accelerate. Consequently, initially, the drag starts to decrease until VMD.. Thereafter, it starts to increase again until it reaches a point where Drag (thrust required) equals Thrust available. At this point, the aircraft is unable to accelerate and will maintain the speed. The maximum speed has been reached => this is shown as the intersection of the "available" and "required" curves.

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