Airships and Gliders in Aviation

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Questions and Answers

What provides lift to an aerostat?

The surrounding air

A lifting gas that is less dense than the surrounding air (correct)

Its wings

Its engine

What is the main feature that distinguishes a blimp from a semi-rigid or rigid airship?

The reliance on the pressure of the lifting gas inside the envelope (correct)

The shape of the envelope

The use of helium instead of hydrogen

The presence of an internal structural framework

What is the primary source of heat in a hot air balloon?

Electricity

Burning liquid propane (correct)

Battery-powered fans

Solar power

What is the term for an aircraft that is kept buoyant by a body of gas that is lighter than air?

Airship Signup and view all the answers

What is suspended beneath the envelope of a hot air balloon?

A gondola or wicker basket Signup and view all the answers

What type of aircraft relies on the shape of its wings to generate lift?

Glider Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a helicopter and a gyroplane?

Helicopters have a powered rotor, while gyroplanes have a freewheeling rotor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the area where helicopters take off and land?

Heliport Signup and view all the answers

What provides lift in a glider during flight?

Aerodynamic reactions on fixed surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What type of axis does a helicopter's rotor spin on?

Vertical axis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a rotor in a rotorcraft?

To generate lift Signup and view all the answers

What type of aircraft is the Boeing 787?

Airplane Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about a helicopter's design?

It has a powered rotor Signup and view all the answers

What type of propulsion system does a gyroplane have?

Propeller mounted in a tractor or pusher configuration Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a rotorcraft?

It has powered rotor for both vertical and horizontal motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of propulsion for a gyroplane?

Aerodynamic forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an airplane's empennage?

To provide stability and control Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a glider?

It is capable of free flight only while descending Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of an airplane over other types of aircraft?

It can carry more passengers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a helicopter and a gyroplane?

The way the main rotor is powered Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic among all classes of aircraft?

They are all designed for navigation in the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the type of aircraft of the same design, including all modifications?

Type of aircraft Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aircraft Types

An aircraft is a machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air against its surfaces, intended for navigation in the air.
Aircraft can be classified into four types: Airplanes, Rotorcraft, Gliders, and Free Balloons.

Airships

An airship or dirigible balloon is a type of aerostat or lighter-than-air aircraft that can navigate through the air under its own power.
Airships gain their lift from large gasbags filled with a lifting gas that is less dense than the surrounding air.
Blimps are non-rigid airships that rely on the pressure of the lifting gas inside the envelope and the strength of the envelope to maintain their shape.

Gliders

A glider is a non-power-driven aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces that remain fixed and conditions of flight.
Gliders are aircraft having no engine, capable of free flight only while descending through the air.

Rotorcraft

Rotorcraft can be easily recognized by their large overhead propeller called the main rotor.
There are two classes of rotorcraft: Helicopters and Gyroplanes.
Helicopters are heavier-than-air aircraft in flight, chiefly by the reaction of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on a substantially vertical axis.
Gyroplanes are rotorcraft whose main rotors are not connected to the engine except for the initial spin up, with aerodynamic forces causing the main rotor to spin during normal flight.

Fixed Wing Aircraft

Fixed wing aircraft include Airplanes, Gliders/Sailplanes, and Seaplanes.
Airplanes are powered aircraft with a wing and a tail.
Gliders/Sailplanes are aircraft having no engine, capable of free flight only while descending through the air.
Seaplanes are aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water.

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Description

Learn about airships, also known as dirigible balloons, and gliders in the field of aviation. Understand their characteristics and differences.