Question

An aircraft is gliding at an altitude of \(3000\) metres with the engine failed. The aircraft has a maximum Lift-to-Drag ratio \((L/D)_{\max\) of \(15\). Calculate the maximum horizontal distance the aircraft can cover before hitting the ground.

• A. \(45\) km
• B. \(48\) km
• C. \(35\) km
• D. \(28\) km

Hint:

The glide ratio is \[ \boxed{ \frac{\text{Horizontal Distance}}{\text{Altitude}} = \frac{L}{D}. } \] Hence, \[ \boxed{ \text{Maximum Glide Distance} = \left(\frac{L}{D}\right)_{\max} \times \text{Altitude}. } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Use the glide ratio relation. The maximum glide distance is given by \[ \boxed{ \text{Horizontal Distance} = \left(\frac{L}{D}\right)_{\max} \times \text{Altitude}. } \]

Step 2: Substitute the given values. Given, \[ \left(\frac{L}{D}\right)_{\max}=15, \] \[ \text{Altitude}=3000\ \text{m}. \] Hence, \[ \text{Horizontal Distance} = 15\times3000 = 45000\ \text{m}. \] Converting into kilometres, \[ 45000\ \text{m} = 45\ \text{km}. \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{45\ \text{km}} \] is the correct answer. Thus, \[ \boxed{(A)} \] is the correct answer.