only_to_downvote

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only_to_downvote251 karma

Some people believe the plane actually stretches in flight. In reality, the plane is 106ft and after it is heated up, it stretches to about 106ft 5in.

5 in total elongation

106 ft total length

5.2e-6 in/in/degF approximate coefficient of thermal expansion for Ti-6Al-4V (assumed Titanium alloy used, varies from ~4.8 to ~5.5 across temperature range of interest)

average skin temperature ~= 5in / (105ft * 12in/ft * 5.2e-6 in/in/degF)

~= 755 degF

Ever toast some marshmallows by holding them up against the side of the cockpit?

only_to_downvote20 karma

Could you give some info on why a water landing was chosen over land?

Does it save a significant amount of weight or is it just generally considered safer? Did recovery costs have any impact on that decision?

only_to_downvote14 karma

We already had to have a water landing capability to provide an abort capability.

I'm kinda ashamed to admit that I never considered that, but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the answer.