monoplanes
One-tier flying machines
Monoplanes are aircraft with a single pair of wings, one on each side of the fuselage.
This design dominates modern aviation, having largely replaced biplanes by the mid-20th century.
The term distinguishes these craft from biplanes (two wing pairs) and the rare triplane: The Spitfire and Mustang were among the most famous monoplanes of World War II.
Aircraft's central structure
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
- propellerRotating blades creating thrust
- fixed-wingPlane with stationary airfoils
- airframeAircraft's structural body
struts · nacelle · cantilever · rudder · aileron · wingspan · dihedral · monocoque
- SpitfireLegendary British interceptor
- MesserschmittGerman military aircraft maker
- MustangFord sports car model
- barnstormerItinerant exhibition pilot
pioneer · interwar · record-breaking · transatlantic · airmail · warbird · vintage · restoration
One who conditions others
- touringTraveling for pleasure
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- CessnaLight aircraft manufacturer
- BeechcraftLight aircraft manufacturer
ultralight · commuter · aerobatic · survey · recreational · cross-country · certificate · hangar
One who engages in combat
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur
- pursuitAct of chasing something
combat · escort · dogfight · squadron · sortie · strafing · dive-bombing · WWII
fuselage
Aircraft's central structure
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
- propellerRotating blades creating thrust
- fixed-wingPlane with stationary airfoils
airframe · struts · nacelle · cantilever · rudder · aileron · wingspan · dihedral · monocoque · tractor
Lindbergh
- SpitfireLegendary British interceptor
- MesserschmittGerman military aircraft maker
- MustangFord sports car model
barnstormer · pioneer · interwar · record-breaking · transatlantic · airmail · warbird · vintage · restoration · aerodrome
trainer
One who conditions others
Beechcraft · ultralight · commuter · aerobatic · survey · recreational · cross-country · certificate · hangar · airstrip
fighter
One who engages in combat
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur
pursuit · combat · escort · dogfight · squadron · sortie · strafing · dive-bombing · WWII · armament
- Aviation HistoryWright Brothers, Wright Flyer, Wright brothers, Kitty Hawk, first flight
- 1920s aviationbarnstorming, airmail, Lindbergh, Spirit of St. Louis, wing walking