Push the envelope

[Richard Petty Deegan]

The expression is actually "push the edge of the envelope", and refers to
the limits of an aircraft's potential. There is an envelope within whioch
the aircraft can perform- the job of a test pilot is to push the edge -to
see if he can extend the possibilities of rangem speed, performance etc.
Rich
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul McFedries" <paul at MCFEDRIES.COM>
To: <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 6:17 AM
Subject: Push the envelope


> I'm trying to find some background on the idiom "push the envelope" (to
> increase the operating capabilities of a system). I have some vague
> recollection that it originated with aircraft and had something to do with
> the speed of sound and that Tom Wolfe talked about it in The Right Stuff.
> However, my wasted youth prevents a complete recall. In particular, I'm
> interested in why the word "envelope" is used.
>
> Thanks a bunch.
>
> Paul
> Home: http://www.mcfedries.com/
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