Problem 1 (30%): In the development of a previous research paper, Prof. Ansell acquired flight test...

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Problem 1 (30%): In the development of a previous research paper, Prof. Ansell acquired flight test data on a Schweizer SGS 1-26 sailplane. An image of this sailplane, along with GPS tracking of the aircraft trajectory and steady-glide test points is shown below: 40.2400 40.2350 40.2300 40.2250 40.2200 40.2150 40.2100 40.2050 40.2000 40.1950 40.1900 GPS P1 STP8 P2 L -87.6200 -87.6100 -87.6000 -87.5900 -87.5800 -87.5700 -87.5600 -87.5500 Longitude Based on the acquired data, the sink rate and horizontal airspeed for seven test points are given in the following table: Based on the acquired data, the sink rate and horizontal airspeed for seven test points are given in the following table: Test Point 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VH (mph) 41.75 68.75 69.19 37.95 46.71 49.87 45.47 Vs (mph) 2.10 3.24 3.11 2.17 2.03 2.21 2.07 Given these data, determine: a) The L/D of the sailplane and the corresponding airspeeds for each test point. Provide a plot of these L/D values vs. airspeed. b) Determine the maximum L/D of the sailplane from the flight data and the corresponding airspeed for this condition. Compare this to the manufacturer-reported (L/D)max of 23. c) The pilot suddenly notices the sailplane is flying at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level and recalls that the runway is 1.5 miles away along a straight ground track. Is the pilot able to successfully glide back to the runway, or would it be better to start finding a nice clear space for an "off-field" landing? Assume no wind, and justify your answer by determining the maximum ground distance that can be covered with a steady glide. Problem 1 (30%): In the development of a previous research paper, Prof. Ansell acquired flight test data on a Schweizer SGS 1-26 sailplane. An image of this sailplane, along with GPS tracking of the aircraft trajectory and steady-glide test points is shown below: 40.2400 40.2350 40.2300 40.2250 40.2200 40.2150 40.2100 40.2050 40.2000 40.1950 40.1900 GPS P1 STP8 P2 L -87.6200 -87.6100 -87.6000 -87.5900 -87.5800 -87.5700 -87.5600 -87.5500 Longitude Based on the acquired data, the sink rate and horizontal airspeed for seven test points are given in the following table: Based on the acquired data, the sink rate and horizontal airspeed for seven test points are given in the following table: Test Point 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VH (mph) 41.75 68.75 69.19 37.95 46.71 49.87 45.47 Vs (mph) 2.10 3.24 3.11 2.17 2.03 2.21 2.07 Given these data, determine: a) The L/D of the sailplane and the corresponding airspeeds for each test point. Provide a plot of these L/D values vs. airspeed. b) Determine the maximum L/D of the sailplane from the flight data and the corresponding airspeed for this condition. Compare this to the manufacturer-reported (L/D)max of 23. c) The pilot suddenly notices the sailplane is flying at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level and recalls that the runway is 1.5 miles away along a straight ground track. Is the pilot able to successfully glide back to the runway, or would it be better to start finding a nice clear space for an "off-field" landing? Assume no wind, and justify your answer by determining the maximum ground distance that can be covered with a steady glide.