Can an aircraft fly an external loop

deetyork | 23:46 Sun 24th May 2009 | Science

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Is it possible for an aircraft to fly an external loop?
I've seen footage of large jets flying partial loops to create weightless conditions for astronaut training but I'm sure I've never seen a FULL external loop. I imagine the negative g-forces would be too much for both pilot & airframe to take.

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Clanad

Although considered advanced aerobatics the outside loop can be accomplished in a true aerobatic airplanes, since, as you suggest, the negative G forces are substantial. The pilot can learn to sustain the well flown outside loop (I've done it many times), but, unlike most other aerobatics, the outside manuevers (such as the rolling 360 degree turn) are very uncomfortable and not for the faint of heart...