Aircraft

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An aircraft is a flying machine. There are lots of different types of aircraft, such as aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, human powered aircraft, and hot air balloons.

Less than 100 years ago, even the fastest ship took more than a week to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Today most jet airliners (large passenger planes) can make this 4,800-km (3,000-mile) journey in less than seven hours. Aircraft are the fastest way to travel because they can soar straight over obstacles such as mountains and ocean. Powerful jet engines enable the fastest combat aircraft to reach speeds of 3,200 km/h airliners fly at more than 850 km/h (530 mph). Modern aircraft are packed with advanced technology to help fly safely and economically at great speed. Sophisticated electronic control computer-designed wings help cut fuel costs. And airframes (aircraft bodies) are made of metal alloys and plastic composites that are lightweight and strong.^{[needs proving]}