Fixed-wing aircraft: Difference between revisions
imported>J. Noel Chiappa (Fix - helicopters also generate lift from forward motion) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (added turboprop and tilt-rotor) |
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'''Fixed-wing aircraft''' are vehicles that remain aloft using the [[lift (force)|aerodynamic lift]] from the flow of air over [[wing]]s which are fixed in position, in relation to the rest of their structure. Some or all of the vehicle is shaped as an [[airfoil]]. | '''Fixed-wing aircraft''' are vehicles that remain aloft using the [[lift (force)|aerodynamic lift]] from the flow of air over [[wing]]s which are fixed in position, in relation to the rest of their structure. Some or all of the vehicle is shaped as an [[airfoil]]. | ||
When powered they are called airplanes (American) or aeroplanes (British). | When powered they are called airplanes (American) or aeroplanes (British). Powered aircraft may use rotating airfoils perpendicular to the direction of flight (i.e., [[propellers]]), or can use hot gases that go out a nozzle 180 degrees from the direction of flight, causing the aircaft to move forward in reaction to the action of the gases. Reaction propulsion is always generated by a [[jet engine]] or [[rocket engine]], while propellers may be spun by a specialized jet engine called a [[turboprop]], or by a [[reciprocating engine]]. | ||
Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as [[helicopter]]s and [[gyroplane]]s which have an airfoil that moves with respect to the rest of the aircraft's structure. | When unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s. | ||
Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as [[helicopter]]s and [[gyroplane]]s which have an airfoil that moves with respect to the rest of the aircraft's structure. [[Tilt-rotor aircraft]] are a hybrid between fixed and rotary wing; the rotating airfoils are mounted on a pivoting support; when it pivots so that the rotating airfoils point up, it operates as a helicopter, but when it pivots the rotating airfoils 90 degrees toward the noise, the support becomes a fixed wing and the rotary airfoils act as propellers. | |||
Revision as of 14:31, 25 July 2008
Fixed-wing aircraft are vehicles that remain aloft using the aerodynamic lift from the flow of air over wings which are fixed in position, in relation to the rest of their structure. Some or all of the vehicle is shaped as an airfoil.
When powered they are called airplanes (American) or aeroplanes (British). Powered aircraft may use rotating airfoils perpendicular to the direction of flight (i.e., propellers), or can use hot gases that go out a nozzle 180 degrees from the direction of flight, causing the aircaft to move forward in reaction to the action of the gases. Reaction propulsion is always generated by a jet engine or rocket engine, while propellers may be spun by a specialized jet engine called a turboprop, or by a reciprocating engine.
When unpowered, they are called gliders.
Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters and gyroplanes which have an airfoil that moves with respect to the rest of the aircraft's structure. Tilt-rotor aircraft are a hybrid between fixed and rotary wing; the rotating airfoils are mounted on a pivoting support; when it pivots so that the rotating airfoils point up, it operates as a helicopter, but when it pivots the rotating airfoils 90 degrees toward the noise, the support becomes a fixed wing and the rotary airfoils act as propellers.