Fixed-wing aircraft: Difference between revisions

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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 vehicles that remain aloft by moving forward in the Earth's atmosphere.
'''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 unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s.


These aircraft remain aloft through the use of [[lift (force)|aerodynamic lift]] wherein
When powered they are called airplanes (American) or aeroplanes (British). When unpowered, they are called [[glider]]s.
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 [[helicopter]]s and [[gyroplane]]s which have an airfoil that moves with respect to the rest of the aircraft's structure.
[[helicopter]]s and [[gyroplane]]s which have an airfoil that moves
with respect to the aircraft itself.

Revision as of 12:45, 21 May 2008

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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.