Picking up from an off-topic discussion in another thread...
Let's set aside the semantics of gravity and spend some time with Mr. Newton, who can explain all of this without getting into the fundamental weak force or the theory of relativity.
Or, if you prefer to look at it in terms of acceleration rather than force:
How does this differ from an accelerated climb?
Continuing to hold the stick slightly back (in diagram #3), the increased drag force slows the airplane until [lift + thrust] equals [weight + drag]. Now we are back in an unaccelerated climb, but at a slower airspeed and increased rate of climb.
Imagine you're flying along straight and level (in a powered airplane). You do not touch the throttle. Pull back on the stick and hold it there. Result? Your airspeed begins to decrease and you feel a little extra force pushing you into your seat momentarily until the airspeed stabilizes at a new, lower, constant airspeed. The airplane is now climbing at a constant rate. Why? Because you put an additional upward force on it momentarily (between the time you first pulled the stick back and the time that the plane reached equilibrium).
Let's set aside the semantics of gravity and spend some time with Mr. Newton, who can explain all of this without getting into the fundamental weak force or the theory of relativity.
Or, if you prefer to look at it in terms of acceleration rather than force:
How does this differ from an accelerated climb?
Continuing to hold the stick slightly back (in diagram #3), the increased drag force slows the airplane until [lift + thrust] equals [weight + drag]. Now we are back in an unaccelerated climb, but at a slower airspeed and increased rate of climb.
Imagine you're flying along straight and level (in a powered airplane). You do not touch the throttle. Pull back on the stick and hold it there. Result? Your airspeed begins to decrease and you feel a little extra force pushing you into your seat momentarily until the airspeed stabilizes at a new, lower, constant airspeed. The airplane is now climbing at a constant rate. Why? Because you put an additional upward force on it momentarily (between the time you first pulled the stick back and the time that the plane reached equilibrium).
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