Which type of aircraft generates the heaviest vortices in wake turbulence?

Which type of aircraft generates the heaviest vortices in wake turbulence?

• A. Small, fast, and clean aircraft
• B. Heavy, slow moving, and clean aircraft
• C. Medium-sized, medium-speed, and dirty aircraft
• D. Light, quick, and clean aircraft

Answer: (B)

The correct response highlights that heavy, slow-moving, and clean aircraft generate the heaviest vortices in wake turbulence. This is because wake turbulence is a phenomenon created by the passage of an aircraft through the air, resulting in vortices trailing behind it. Heavy aircraft produce stronger vortices due to their greater mass and the resulting inertia, which creates more pronounced lift forces during flight. When these aircraft fly slowly, they maintain a higher angle of attack to generate sufficient lift, resulting in the formation of significant vortices. The term "clean" refers to configurations that do not have extended flaps or landing gear deployed, which allows for a more laminar flow, contributing to stronger and more stable vortices. In contrast, smaller, faster, and lighter aircraft do not produce vortices as substantial because their overall weight is lower, and their faster speeds help in dispersing the vortices more quickly. Additionally, configurations classified as "dirty" (involving flaps or landing gear deployed) can disrupt the smooth flow of air, leading to weaker vortices. Thus, the characteristics of heavy, slow-moving, and clean aircraft uniquely position them as the primary generators of wake turbulence.

The correct response highlights that heavy, slow-moving, and clean aircraft generate the heaviest vortices in wake turbulence. This is because wake turbulence is a phenomenon created by the passage of an aircraft through the air, resulting in vortices trailing behind it.

Heavy aircraft produce stronger vortices due to their greater mass and the resulting inertia, which creates more pronounced lift forces during flight. When these aircraft fly slowly, they maintain a higher angle of attack to generate sufficient lift, resulting in the formation of significant vortices. The term "clean" refers to configurations that do not have extended flaps or landing gear deployed, which allows for a more laminar flow, contributing to stronger and more stable vortices.

In contrast, smaller, faster, and lighter aircraft do not produce vortices as substantial because their overall weight is lower, and their faster speeds help in dispersing the vortices more quickly. Additionally, configurations classified as "dirty" (involving flaps or landing gear deployed) can disrupt the smooth flow of air, leading to weaker vortices. Thus, the characteristics of heavy, slow-moving, and clean aircraft uniquely position them as the primary generators of wake turbulence.