Aileron: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "aileron" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aileron
🇮🇳 एलीरॉन
🇩🇪 Querruder
🇮🇩 aileron
🇺🇦 елерон
🇵🇱 lotka
🇯🇵 補助翼 (ほじょよく)
🇫🇷 aileron
🇪🇸 alerón
🇹🇷 elevon
🇰🇷 보조익
🇸🇦 جنيح
🇨🇿 křidélko
🇸🇰 krídelko
🇨🇳 副翼 (fùyì)
🇸🇮 krilce
🇮🇸 vængstýri
🇰🇿 элерон
🇬🇪 ელერონი
🇦🇿 elevon
🇲🇽 alerón