Re: Hydroplaning, Air Force insight

["David L. Cooper" <d.cooper@ix.netcom.com>]

Can airplanes lend info to cars?


scott miller wrote:

> I also fly KC-135s full-time for the Air Force Reserves, and
> hydroplaning is a big deal for us.  We're taught dynamic hydroplaning
> begins at approximately the sq root of tire press times nine, and water
> depth exceeding tread depth.  My father learned the same when he started
> flying.  We're both mechanical engineers and car buffs, and we know it's
> not exact, but it's a pretty good wag to know when you're approching
> danger.  Our tires and most aircraft tires I've seen have just a few
> straight grooves, I've not noticed a rush to aquatreads to improve a
> very significant danger in the aviation world, so I assume tread design
> isn't a major factor in hydroplaning speed.  Killing our lift by raising
> speedbrakes on landing helps add pressure to the rubber/pavement/water.
> I'm sure my car develops some front end lift at hydroplaning speeds, how
> much I don't know.  I do know I have a lot less options when my car
> hydroplanes than my airplane.
>
> I could go on for a while about this and other forms of hydroplaning, if
> you're really interested in more, but I have a new hobby that's
> demanding my attention.
>
> Scott Miller
> Quattro owner for five days now
> '90 200q wagon
>
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