At the airspeed represented by point A in steady flight, the airplane will have what ratio?

In steady flight, the airplane's performance can be analyzed through various aerodynamic ratios. When considering point A, which typically represents a specific airspeed on the lift-to-drag (L/D) curve, it correlates to the maximum lift-to-drag ratio. This ratio is crucial in understanding aerodynamic efficiency.

The maximum L/D ratio indicates the speed at which the airplane achieves the best lift relative to drag, meaning it can maintain level flight with the least amount of power input for a given amount of lift produced. This is essential for flight efficiency and is often the target speed during operations such as gliding or optimizing fuel consumption during cruise.

In contrast, other options represent different performance aspects. The minimum L/D ratio occurs at a different airspeed, where drag is increased relative to lift. Developing the maximum coefficient of lift pertains to different flight conditions, usually associated with specific angles of attack rather than airspeed alone. The optimal power-to-weight ratio does not directly relate to the lift-to-drag ratio but rather to how effectively the aircraft can climb or accelerate in conjunction with its weight.

Thus, at the airspeed represented by point A in steady flight, the airplane will indeed have the maximum L/D ratio, making it the correct choice for understanding the