Semantics Challenge!

[Serenity]

So I'm doing my notecards for API, and one of the things we're expected to define the difference between is an aircraft and an airplane. However, I think their definition of an airplane is a bit redundant. I don't mean to challenge them, of course, lol, but I thought it would be interesting to see if I could find an example proving all of the words are necessary. I'm bored lol. So, my challenge to the forums is:

Can you think of an aircraft which meets the following requirements:

-Engine driven
-Heavier than air
-Fixed Wing

But NOT:

-Supported by the dynamic reaction of airflow over it's wings.

If anyone can think of something, you guys can!

[DaveBB]

VTOL?

[Devil 505]

autogyro?

[BaldEagl]

So I'm doing my notecards for API, and one of the things we're expected to define the difference between is an aircraft and an airplane. However, I think their definition of an airplane is a bit redundant. I don't mean to challenge them, of course, lol, but I thought it would be interesting to see if I could find an example proving all of the words are necessary. I'm bored lol. So, my challenge to the forums is:

Can you think of an aircraft which meets the following requirements:

-Engine driven
-Heavier than air
-Fixed Wing

But NOT:

-Supported by the dynamic reaction of airflow over it's wings.

If anyone can think of something, you guys can!

If it's not supported by the dynamic reaction of airflow over it's wings why does it have a fixed wing?

My answer is Harrier Jet.

[EDIT]  After further consideration rocket also fits the criteria.

[PR3D4TOR]

Lifting body aircraft.

[PR3D4TOR]

Btw. Serenity, I'm not sure I understand the limitations you put on your definition, but an aircraft is any machine that can fly. Airplanes, hot air balloons, helicopters, airships etc. are all aircraft. An airplane however is a specific type of aircraft that has fixed wings, is heavier than air that is capable of sustained, powered, and controlled flight.

[Serenity]

Btw. Serenity, I'm not sure I understand the limitations you put on your definition, but an aircraft is any machine that can fly. Airplanes, hot air balloons, helicopters, airships etc. are all aircraft. An airplane however is a specific type of aircraft that has fixed wings, is heavier than air that is capable of sustained, powered, and controlled flight.

The limitations I put are the textbook definition we're given, EXCEPT that the last point, about the wings supporting the weight via dynamic flow is INCLUDED as a requirement. I posted the question, because as BaldEagl noted, if the wings DON'T support the weight, why have them? That was my thought when reading it, and I was wondering if there WAS an aircraft that met all of the other requirements but that one, and thus justified putting it in words.

Those lifting bodies you put in certainly meet it, I think and I had never seen those before! The Rocket Eagl mentioned is the only other thing I can think of that might satisfy this.

[PR3D4TOR]

I think the semantics problem for you is "what is a wing". An airfoil can be used for other tings than just supporting the weight of the aircraft. Like stabilizers, control surfaces, streamlined struts etc.

[hitech]

The limitations I put are the textbook definition we're given, EXCEPT that the last point, about the wings supporting the weight via dynamic flow is INCLUDED as a requirement. I posted the question, because as BaldEagl noted, if the wings DON'T support the weight, why have them? That was my thought when reading it, and I was wondering if there WAS an aircraft that met all of the other requirements but that one, and thus justified putting it in words.

Those lifting bodies you put in certainly meet it, I think and I had never seen those before! The Rocket Eagl mentioned is the only other thing I can think of that might satisfy this.

A blimp has wings to steer but not support it weight.

A helicopter can have fixed wings for both stability many have them for yaw stability, and some times partial weight support.

If you interchange the word Wing for Airfoil you may see the differences more clearly.


HiTech

[Serenity]

A blimp has wings to steer but not support it weight.

A helicopter can have fixed wings for both stability many have them for yaw stability, and some times partial weight support.

If you interchange the word Wing for Airfoil you may see the differences more clearly.


HiTech

The problem with that is, the word wing is NOT interchangeable for us. Blimps and Helos were examples of things that cannot be considered airplanes for us. Blimps, being considered lighter than air, and helos not being fixed-wing.

[PR3D4TOR]

Blimps and helicopters are not airplanes, but they are still aircraft. I don't understand what you're trying to resolve here.

[Serenity]

Blimps and helicopters are not airplanes, but they are still aircraft. I don't understand what you're trying to resolve here.

There's nothing I'm trying to "resolve" so to speak. I was given two terms, with two definitions, Aircraft vs Airplane. The definition of airplane included both "Fixed wing" and "The weight of the aircraft is supported by dynamic pressure about the wing" (Or something to that effect) and I found myself thinking "Does there EXIST an aircraft that HAS fixed wings, but DOESN'T use dynamic pressure about the wing to support the weight of the aircraft?"

[Arlo]

[MK-84]

How about the Magnus Effect?

Like this airplane/aircraft



Edit: Magnus Effect Wiki link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_effect

[Skyyr]

How about the Magnus Effect?

Like this airplane/aircraft

(Image removed from quote.)

Edit: Magnus Effect Wiki link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_effect

I never knew that they made an aircraft based on the Magnus Effect. Learn something new every day! Very cool!