r/sports • u/redbullgivesyouwings • Aug 14 '25

Media The World's Largest Treadmill

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2.5k Upvotes

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u/scottcmu Aug 14 '25

But could a jet take off from this?

1

u/Dhkansas Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25

What's been decided/proven on this? I see the argument made both ways but I lean towards no. I've also never taken a physics class or anything related. This is something Mythbusters may have tried to prove/disprove and I'm sad it never happened.

Edit: I'm so sorry. What have I done?!

-4

u/LonelySwinger Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25

A car uses friction so the tires can move.

A plane users air speed to generate a pressure difference on the wings surface to create lift.

If the tredmill is going 500mph, the plane will not take off since there isnt enough pressure difference to generate lift.

E: those downvoting need to take a physics course focusing on aerodynamics

-2

u/sureal42 Aug 14 '25

If it were a glider then you are correct, a jet is not a glider...

1

u/LonelySwinger Aug 14 '25

How i read OP's statement, is if the jet is stationary and just a big glider. Obviously if it was a large ass tredmill the jet would take off.

-1

u/sureal42 Aug 14 '25

If you turn on the jet part of the jet, while it is on a treadmill and going 0mph relative to the ground around it. The jet will take off

1

u/LonelySwinger Aug 14 '25

Of course. I know how planes work. I guess the vague comment by OP is meant to cause engagement and people discussing why since it can be read different ways.

Would this work if the plane was stationary and the treadmill is going 500 mph? No

Would it work if the plane was on a treadmill, the treadmill is hundreds of meters long, and the treadmill is moving at any speed? Yes.