Related Words

Airfoil: The shape of any flying surface, but principally a wing, as seen in side-view ('cross-section'). Its characteristics are Center of Pressure (CP), DRAG (CD), LIFT (CL), Lift-Drag Ratio (L/D), . . . View Full Definition

Laminar-Flow Airfoil: A low-drag airfoil designed to maintain laminar (smooth, continuous) flow over a high percentage of the CHORD about itself. Often relatively thin, especially along the leading edge, with mos . . . View Full Definition

Lift: An elevator. Either term - lift or elevator - is acceptable and widely understood by ship staff.

Kreuger Flap: A type of leading edge wing flap hinged at the bottom side of the airfoil. When it is actuated, the leading edge bends downward, increasing the overall wing camber which allows the wing to d . . . View Full Definition

Slats: Movable vanes or auxiliary airfoils, usually set along the leading edge of a wing but able to be lifted away at certain angles of attack.

Sweepback: A backward inclination of an airfoil from root to tip in a way that causes the leading edge and often the trailing edge to meet relative wind obliquely, as wingforms that are swept back.

Upwash: The slight, upward flow of air just prior to its reaching the leading edge of a rapidly moving airfoil.

Trailing Edge: The rearmost edge of an AIRFOIL.

Flap: A movable, usually hinged AIRFOIL set in the trailing edge of an aircraft wing, designed to increase LIFT or DRAG by changing the CAMBER of the wing or used to slow an aircraft during landin . . . View Full Definition

Stall: (1) Sudden loss of lift when the angle of attack increases to a point where the flow of air breaks away from a wing or airfoil, causing it to drop. (2) A maneuver initiated by the steep rais . . . View Full Definition