Aileron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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aileron
[ˈeɪlərɒn ]
Definition
aviation
A hinged surface in the trailing edge of an aircraft wing, used to control lateral balance.
Synonyms
flap, wing control surface.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| aileron |
Used in aviation, it refers to a hinged flight control surface on the wing of an airplane, which controls the aircraft's roll and bank.
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| flap |
Also used in aviation, a flap is a movable part on the wing of an aircraft that helps to increase lift or drag. It's often used during takeoff and landing to control the speed and altitude.
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| wing control surface |
A general term in aviation that refers to parts of the aircraft wing that can be adjusted to control lift, drag, roll, and pitch. This includes ailerons, flaps, slats, and spoilers.
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Examples of usage
- The pilot adjusted the ailerons to bank the airplane to the left.
- The ailerons help the pilot to control the roll of the aircraft.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Engineering
- Ailerons are crucial for aircraft stability, allowing pilots to bank the plane during flight.
- They work in opposition; when one aileron goes up, the other goes down, creating a roll motion essential for maneuvering.
Aviation History
- The first ailerons were simple flaps that helped control early gliders and evolved into sophisticated systems in modern aircraft.
- Innovations in design and materials have made ailerons more effective and responsive, improving the safety and performance of aircraft.
Physics
- They operate on the principles of aerodynamics; when air hits the wing, it creates different pressures, allowing for controlled movement.
- Understanding how ailerons affect lift and drag is fundamental in flight training and aerospace engineering.
Pop Culture
- In movies and video games about aviation, ailerons are often dramatized as the key to thrilling dogfights and dramatic turns.
- Brands like Boeing and Airbus often highlight their aircraft's advanced aileron systems in advertisements to showcase their technology.
Origin of 'aileron'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'aileron' comes from the French word for 'little wing,' highlighting its function as a wing control.
- First used in the early 20th century, it became essential for aircraft design as flying relied heavily on steering effectiveness.
The term 'aileron' originates from the French word 'aile', meaning wing. Ailerons were first introduced by the Wright brothers in their pioneering aircraft designs. These control surfaces revolutionized aviation by allowing pilots to control the lateral balance of the aircraft, enabling more precise maneuverability in flight.