Barrel roll
A barrel roll occurs when an object (usually an airplane or roller coaster) makes a complete rotation on its longitudinal axis while following a helical path, approximately maintaining its original direction. The G load is kept positive (but not constant) on the aircraft throughout the maneuver, commonly not more than 2-3 G, and no less than 0.5 G.
In aviation, the maneuver includes a constant variation of attitude in all three axes, and at the midpoint (top) of the roll, the aircraft is flying inverted, with the nose pointing at a 90-degree angle ("sideways") to the general path of flight. The term "barrel roll" is frequently used, incorrectly, to refer to any roll by an airplane (see aileron roll), or to a helical roll in which the nose remains pointed generally along the flight path. In fact, the barrel roll is a specific and difficult maneuver; a combination of a roll and a loop. It is not used in aerobatic competition.
Etymology
The barrel roll is so-named because an aircraft executing this maneuver looks as though it were flying with its wheels running along the inside edge of a barrel. A more common modern visualization is to imagine an airplane trying to fly in a horizontal corkscrew.
Barrel roll attack
In aviation a barrel roll attack is a maneuver that improves the attacker's offensive position and prevents the attacker from overshooting. In this maneuver the defender breaks one direction and so the attacker rolls the opposite direction from the defender's break then climbs to reduce closing speed. Finally the attacker completes the roll so he is level again and turns in behind the defender.
Barrel roll on skis
The barrel roll is also known for being a challenging trick to pull off on skis. The skier approaches a jump that will give him four feet of 'air' with both hands at shoulder level. Then, the skier throws his arm across the body in a downward motion to the left hip, before looking over the left shoulder at the ground while throwing one arm across the body. After that, the skier bends forward at the hips initiating a 360°Forward flip. After the flip, the skier opens his arms and throws the right shoulder back before landing.
Barrel roll on the Internet
The phrase "Do a barrel roll!" has become a popular Internet meme. Originating from Star Fox 64, it is most often cited on websites such as The Digibutter.nerr Forums, GameFAQs and YTMND . Commonly said to Tom Green's online show to heckle him.[1]
See also
External links
Note that was this not an "aileron roll" as the vehicle maintained positive g forces at all times.