Glide Ratio

Definition

The ratio of horizontal distance traveled to altitude lost in unpowered flight. A glide ratio of 10:1 means the aircraft travels 10 units forward for every 1 unit of altitude lost. Higher is better.

Related Terms

Best Glide Speed

The airspeed that maximizes the distance an aircraft can glide from a given alti...

Drag

The aerodynamic force opposing the motion of an aircraft through the air. Drag h...

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