3
$\begingroup$

What airplane (excluding spaceplanes) requires the longest runway for a safe landing?

$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ Can you clarify the question? Are you wanting to compare runway length for different aircraft under identical conditions or are you interested in the longest specified length in worst-case conditions. And is this specified min runway length or actual distance-to-stop? $\endgroup$
    – Frog
    Commented Oct 28, 2023 at 6:55
  • $\begingroup$ FWIW most aircraft need a longer runway for takeoff than for landing (since they are heavier during takeoff) $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 28, 2023 at 7:10
  • $\begingroup$ I am guessing that you mean at maximum landing weight, maybe you can clarify just to be sure. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 28, 2023 at 13:41
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @Frog - It seems pretty safe to assume that they are referring to identical conditions as other comparisons would be meaningless. I would also think that it's probably for normal conditions (dry runway, 0 wind etc) but I agree that could use some clarification. It may be difficult or nearly impossible to come up with a definitive maximum, but I for one would be interested to know what are some of the typical landing distances in normal conditions for various types of airliners, cargo planes, military fighter jets, etc. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 28, 2023 at 13:41
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ From experience with the F-84F: "If someone builds a runway all the way around the earth, Republic will build an airplane that needs every inch of it!" $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 28, 2023 at 17:20

1 Answer 1

0
$\begingroup$

Probably some really large and heavy aircraft, hence Antonov An-225 Mriya looks like a best candidate (there are currently no flying aircraft remaining but there are intentions to build more). It needs about 3500 m and possibly more.

$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Interesting. Where is the data pointing to a landing runway length of 3500m? $\endgroup$
    – user22445
    Commented Nov 2, 2023 at 18:08
  • $\begingroup$ I'd guess the XB-70 probably needed a longer runway... $\endgroup$
    – jwenting
    Commented Nov 28 at 10:15

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .