A world with 1/3rd gravity but 1/2 atmospheric pressure. Would it be easier to fly?

Let's say on an alien planet called Thindor, the surface gravity is 3.27 m/s² (which is 1/3rd of Earth's). But the atmospheric pressure is only 50 kPa (which is 1/2 of Earth's). Assume the same 20/80 ratio of oxygen/nitrogen in the atmosphere, and the same air temperature.

The question is, Is it easier to achieve powered aircraft flight in this world?

My instincts say yes, because gravity is one of those exponential things (and pressure seems to be more linear in the equations I've seen). HOWEVER, aircraft engines need to breathe oxygen from the atmosphere (and there is only half the oxygen flow available), plus air cooling would be reduced too. And besides, propellers and jet engine compressors basically take the existing air and push it backwards, so I'm thinking thrust might be reduced by 1/2 as well.

So is it easier or harder to fly with conventional aircraft?

posted almost 9 years ago

DrZ214‭

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