Final answer:
The maximum holding airspeed at USAF and Navy airfields is not provided in the references but generally depends on altitude and aircraft type. Airspeeds are influenced by factors like the drag coefficient and operational requirements. The references emphasize drag's impact on fuel efficiency and include details on speeds relevant to aviation and defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum holding airspeed at USAF and Navy airfields is not explicitly stated in the given reference information. However, the maximum holding airspeed generally depends on the type of aircraft and the altitude at which the holding is taking place. For jet aircraft, holding speeds can typically range from 230 knots below 10,000 feet to 265 knots above 10,000 feet. The speeds might be specifically tailored for different military jets and operational requirements.
Considering the physics of flight, factors such as the drag coefficient, which is a dimensionless quantity, play a crucial role in determining optimal flight speeds. It is mentioned that over 50% of a car's power at highway speeds goes into overcoming air drag. For aircraft, managing this drag is vital for fuel efficiency and adherence to operational speed limits. The reference information indicates that during the 1970s oil crisis, maximum highway speeds were set at about 55 mph to conserve fuel. While this does not directly correspond to airspeeds at military airfields, it highlights the importance of understanding drag and velocity in determining efficient travel speeds.
It should also be noted that airfield holding patterns and airspeeds may encompass other considerations such as air defense perimeters, effective launch parameters for aircraft, like those of the F-35 jet mentioned, and various speed records that contextualize the operational capabilities of aircraft.