Fixed-wing aircraft
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest fixed-wing aircraft ever built.
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). 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.