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Consider the curve for the thrust required versus speed, for a jet aeroplane. What speed can be obtained from the minimum of this curve? The speed for:
  • A
    Max Range, because fuel flow is proportional to lift to drag ratio.
  • B
    Max Endurance, because fuel flow is proportional to thrust at the minimum.
  • C
    Max Endurance, because fuel flow is proportional to power required.
  • D
    Max Range, because this speed corresponds to the maximum lift to drag ratio at the minimum.

Refer to figure.
Note that the wording of the correct answer could be confusing. The fuel flow of a jet engine is approximately proportional to thrust output throughout the whole operating range (not just at this minimum thrust required point - remember that the engine doesn't know you are flying at VMD, that is an airframe consideration). This assumption works fine for the exams, but in reality there are other factors at play that skew the graphs a little.


Jet Aircraft Endurance

Maximum endurance will occur at minimum fuel flow. In a jet aircraft means minimum thrust and therefore minimum drag, VMD.

Propeller Aircraft Endurance

Minimum fuel flow for a propeller aircraft occurs when power required is minimum, so the speed to fly for endurance is VMP. VMP is minimum power to maintain straight and level flight, always less than VMD therefore the speed is unstable.

Jet Aircraft Range

The greatest still air range will occur when we get the largest TAS for the smallest thrust required, the best TAS/DRAG ratio. This point lies at the tangent of the drag curve (from the origin), 1.32VMD.

Propeller Aircraft Range

The greatest still air range will occur when we get the largest TAS for the smallest power required (not thrust). This point lies at the tangent of the power curve, VMD.

Jet Propeller
Best Range Speed 1.32 VMD VMD
Best Endurance Speed VMD VMP

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