Fixed-wing aircraft: Difference between revisions
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'''Fixed-wing aircraft''' are vehicles that remain aloft by moving forward in the Earth's atmosphere. | '''Fixed-wing aircraft''' are vehicles that remain aloft by moving forward in the Earth's atmosphere. | ||
When powered they are called airplanes (American) | When powered they are called airplanes (American) or aeroplanes (British). | ||
When unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s. | When unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s. | ||
Revision as of 19:40, 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) or 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.