Fixed-wing aircraft: Difference between revisions
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imported>Dan Nachbar (added reference to gliders) |
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[[Image:Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|{{#ifexist:Template:Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg/credit|{{Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}The [[Boeing 747]] is one of the largest fixed-wing aircraft ever built.]] | [[Image:Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|{{#ifexist:Template:Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg/credit|{{Boeing 747 cargo jet.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}The [[Boeing 747]] is one of the largest fixed-wing aircraft ever built.]] | ||
'''Fixed-wing aircraft''' | |||
are | '''Fixed-wing aircraft''' are vehicles that remain aloft by moving forward in the Earth's atmosphere. | ||
When powered they are called airplanes (American) and aeroplanes (British). | |||
When unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s. | |||
These aircraft remain aloft through the use of [[lift (force)|aerodynamic lift]] wherein | These aircraft remain aloft through the use of [[lift (force)|aerodynamic lift]] wherein | ||
some or all of the vehicle is shaped as an [[airfoil]]. | |||
Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as | Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as | ||
Revision as of 19:39, 17 November 2007
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest fixed-wing aircraft ever built.
Fixed-wing aircraft are vehicles that remain aloft by moving forward in the Earth's atmosphere. When powered they are called airplanes (American) and aeroplanes (British). When unpowered, they are called gliders.
These aircraft remain aloft through the use of aerodynamic lift wherein some or all of the vehicle is shaped as an airfoil.
Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters and gyroplanes which have an airfoil that moves with respect to the aircraft itself.