Aircraft

An aircraft is a vehicle designed to fly through the atmosphere, supported by aerodynamic lift or buoyancy. Its forms include powered and unpowered, heavier-than-air and lighter-than-air craft.

Aerodynamic lift: A force perpendicular to airflow that supports an aircraft against gravity. Heavier-than-air aircraft rely on this force to remain aloft.
Airliner: A passenger aircraft designed for scheduled or charter airline service. Airliners represent the high-capacity transport role of aircraft.
Fixed-wing aircraft: An aircraft whose wings remain fixed relative to its body during flight. Fixed wings generate lift as the aircraft moves forward through the air.
Wright Flyer: The powered aircraft flown by Wilbur and Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Its flights demonstrated controlled, sustained powered flight in a heavier-than-air craft.
Commercial aviation: The operation of aircraft to transport passengers or freight for commercial purposes. Aircraft made long-distance scheduled passenger and cargo services possible.
Thrust: A force that propels a vehicle forward or counteracts drag. Engines generate thrust to move powered aircraft through the air.
General aviation: Civil aviation outside scheduled airline services and military operations. It includes private flying, flight training, and many small aircraft.
Helicopter: A rotorcraft whose powered rotating blades provide lift and control. A helicopter can hover and take off vertically, unlike most fixed-wing aircraft.
Cayley glider: A series of nineteenth-century gliders built by aviation pioneer George Cayley. Cayley's work helped establish the distinct roles of lift, propulsion, and control.
Air warfare: The use of military aircraft and other aerial forces in armed conflict. Aircraft introduced reconnaissance, attack, and air-superiority roles into warfare.

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