Coupled equations of motion for steady state saltation over an infinite plane are derived and solved for a simplified model of the grain‐surface impact process. Experimentally observed features of the wind velocity profile in saltation are qualitatively reproduced, including a diminution of the sub‐saltation layer mean wind speed, as the friction speed increases. In this model the surface impact velocity of the saltating grains remains relatively constant over a wide range of free‐stream shear stresses, and the grain mass flux increases with friction speed uf* less rapidly than uf3. Copyright © 1987, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved