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FLIGHT CONTROL LAWS:
What occurs when the bank angle exceeds 45 degrees?

User MECU
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Final answer:

Exceeding a 45-degree bank angle requires increased lift to maintain altitude, potentially surpassing the plane's aerodynamic capabilities, making it difficult to maintain control.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the bank angle of an airplane exceeds 45 degrees, the lift force, acting at right angles to the wing, has both a vertical and horizontal component.

The vertical component must balance the airplane's weight, while the horizontal component is responsible for the centripetal force that accelerates the airplane in a turn. If the bank angle is too steep, the plane would require more lift to maintain altitude, possibly exceeding the aircraft's aerodynamic capabilities or the pilot's ability to maintain control.

When the bank angle of an airplane exceeds 45 degrees, it enters a steep turn. In this scenario, the vertical component of lift no longer fully balances the airplane's weight, causing the plane to experience a net force towards the outside of the turn. This force is known as centrifugal force, and it is responsible for pulling the airplane towards the outside of the turn.

In order to prevent excessive banking angles, many modern airplanes are equipped with flight control laws that limit the maximum allowed bank angle. These laws help maintain the safety and stability of the aircraft during flight.

User RoboTamer
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