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  1. Airplane | Definition, Types, Mechanics, & Facts | Britannica

    Oct 13, 2025 · An airplane is any of a class of fixed-wing aircraft that is heavier than air, propelled by a screw propeller or a high-velocity jet, and supported by the dynamic reaction of the air …

  2. Airplane - Jet, Propeller, Glider | Britannica

    Airplane - Jet, Propeller, Glider: There are a number of ways to identify aircraft by type. The primary distinction is between those that are lighter than air and those that are heavier than air.

  3. History of flight | Airplanes, Dates, & Facts | Britannica

    This article tells the story of the invention of the airplane and the development of civil aviation from piston-engine airplanes to jets. For a history of military aviation, see military aircraft; for lighter …

  4. Development and components of airplanes | Britannica

    airplane, Fixed-wing aircraft that is heavier than air, propelled by a screw propeller or a high-velocity jet, and supported by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.

  5. Airplane! | Film, Cast, Parody, & Details | Britannica

    5 days ago · Airplane!, American comedy film released in 1980 that parodies the disaster film genre with a story about a former pilot who must land a commercial plane after the passengers …

  6. airplane - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help

    The term airplane, which is often shortened to plane, usually refers to any type of power-driven aircraft that has fixed wings and is heavier than air. An airplane moves through the air with the …

  7. Airplane - Materials, Construction, Design | Britannica

    Oct 13, 2025 · Airplane - Materials, Construction, Design: For reasons of availability, low weight, and prior manufacturing experience, most early aircraft were of wood and fabric construction.

  8. Airplane - Civil Aviation, Design, Flight | Britannica

    Oct 13, 2025 · Airplane - Civil Aviation, Design, Flight: All nonmilitary planes are civil aircraft. These include private and business planes and commercial airliners. Private aircraft are …

  9. airplane - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help

    Airplane and aircraft are widely used to mean the same thing, though aircraft is a broader term. It includes both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air craft.

  10. Airplane - Propulsion, Engines, Fuel | Britannica

    Oct 13, 2025 · Airplane - Propulsion, Engines, Fuel: The engines used to provide thrust may be of several types. Often an internal-combustion piston engine is used, especially for smaller planes.