Quote:
Originally Posted by bestclimb
So knowing that an aircraft goes just as far in a glide heavy or light why bother with the water ballast?
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It's because with the extra weight, the sailplane has more potential energy at a given height, so can travel faster/further between thermals. Of course there's a tradeoff: you climb slower in thermals, but if the thermals are strong, it's worth it. I guess figuring it all out is what makes it a sport :-) (I never got into competition myself, just liked to go play around a bit.)
For an automotive equivalent, consider the difference between me driving the pickup down a mountain empty, or loaded with logs. I'd coast a lot further (and have increased braking distance) with the load.