Thrust is the force that moves an airplane through the air. If an airplane does not move through the air it does not have lift and therefore cannot fly! Thrust can be provided by two methods, propellers and jets. Propellers: Propellers have blades that are shaped like an airfoil. As they are spun by a motor the pressure or force is greatest on the back side of the blade giving a net force or thrust forward to the plane. Jets: Jets take in air from the front which is then compressed and mixed with a combustible fuel and burned. The hot gases expand and are forced out the rear of the engine. This action of hot gases being forced out the rear causes a reaction which propels the plane forward. Newton's 3rd law! .

Presented by Insite Distance Learning and The Academy of Model Aeronautics, with support from The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association and Ball State University.   All contents copyright © 2000 The Indiana Academy / Ball State University phone 800.316.3163  |  fax 765.285.2665  |  e-mail insite@bsu.edu