View source for Fixed-wing aircraft

== Fixed-wing aircraft ==

A '''Fixed-wing aircraft''' is a type of [[aircraft]], or air vehicle, that is able to fly due to the structure of its wings. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinguished by their stationary wings that do not move relative to the main body of the craft. The term is used to differentiate these aircraft from [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as helicopters and autogyros where the wings rotate around a fixed mast.

=== Pronunciation ===

Fixed-wing aircraft: /ˈfɪkstˌwɪŋ ˈɛərˌkrɑːft/

=== Etymology ===

The term "fixed-wing aircraft" comes from the fact that the wings are fixed in position; they do not move relative to the aircraft's main body during flight. The term "aircraft" is derived from the French word 'aéronef', which means 'air ship'.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Aerodynamics]]: The study of the properties of moving air, and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.
* [[Airfoil]]: The shape of a wing, blade of a propeller, rotor, or turbine.
* [[Aileron]]: A hinged flight control surface usually forming part of the trailing edge of each wing of a fixed-wing aircraft.
* [[Flap (aeronautics)]]: A type of high-lift device used to increase the lift of an aircraft wing at a given airspeed.
* [[Elevator (aeronautics)]]: A flight control surface, usually at the rear of an aircraft, which controls the aircraft's pitch, and therefore the angle of attack and the lift of the wing.
* [[Rudder]]: A primary control surface used to steer a ship, submarine, aircraft, or other conveyance that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water).

[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Aviation]]
[[Category:Aerospace engineering]]

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