free flight

Free flight is a type of model or experimental aircraft flight where the vehicle is launched into the air and then allowed to fly independently without any further propulsion or control input from external sources. It relies solely on its initial energy and aerodynamic design to glide or fly until it naturally descends and lands. Free flight models often serve scientific, educational, or hobbyist purposes, helping to study aerodynamics, flight stability, and aircraft design. Unlike remote-controlled or powered flights, free flight emphasizes understanding the aircraft's inherent aerodynamic qualities and performance in a flight path determined entirely by its initial conditions.