Don Hammer wrote:
The Boeing 707-300 is 19.5:1

I had several cockpit rides (pre 9/11) in various Airbus types in
Germany. Some of the pilots were actually active glider pilots. They
claimed an L/D in the mid 20's, if they make the engines drag-wise
'disappear' by keeping them going at slightly above idle speed.

Remember the 'Gimli Glider', the Air Canada B767, that ran out of fuel?
Nice write-up at http://www.wadenelson.com/gimli.html
The author states an 11:1 glide ratio for this 132t glider with two
wind-milling P&W engines and a RAT sticking out of it's belly.

Just out of curiosity - does anyone have a number for the
space-shuttle?


Uli Neumann
Libelle 'GM'