Correct answer is... 740 km/h. It is equal to 400 kn or 460 mph.
A cruise speed is the speed of a plane in relation to the air masses surrounding it. If we wanted to figure out how fast the plane is moving in relation to earth we would have to take into account the factor of wind. In windless weather the cruise speed equals the speed in relation to earth. However, the higher the plane flies the stronger the wind.
To give an example, the cruise speed of de Havilland Comet flying at 400 meters against the wind of 30 km/h will equal 710 km/h. With the wind, it will equal 710 km/h. If there is a side wind, the speed will vary between 710 and 770 km/h, depending on whether it’s more against or with the wind.
Disclaimer: Our articles and data connected to cruise speed of de Havilland Comet are based on public data from various sources. We are very picky to select an reliable data providers, but we cannot guarantee that everything is 100% error-proof. We recommend for any serious purpose - as a rule of thumb - to request offical data about cruise speed from manufacturer of de Havilland Comet.