Hallo ContestID67, Du schriebst am 01.05.2008 07:18

Question: Can a conventional powered airplane take off from a conveyor
belt which is moving at the same speed but in an opposite direction?

rather simple question.

Two possibilities:

1.) If the conveyor belt is already moving at the beginning of the
experiment (driving the airplane backwards), it just takes more time for
the airplane to accelerate and reach its appropriate airspeed for
takeoff. The wheels just turn faster than "usually" (take-off speed plus
conveyor belt speed).

2.) If both begin to accelerate at the same time, it makes no
significant difference to a usual start. The rolling drag of the
undercarriage wheels pulls the airplane a *little* backwards, but this
effect is negligible. - The wheels just turn faster (as above).

The higher rotation speed of the wheels *could* be a problem, if
bearings become too hot and lock.

Regards
Werner