Classification by Mission

Classification by Configuration

Most modern airplanes are monoplanes, their lift is derived from one horizontal fixed-wing system. The biplane

(using two horizontal wing systems, one above the other)was popular in 1920s, but it later disappeared from use.

Modern monoplanes may be catalogued by the plan form of their wings, which may be rectangular, tapered,

swept-back or delta.

Another variation in airplane configuration is the number and location of the power plants. For single-engine

designs, the engines (or turbines) are usually located in the body, or fuselage. For multiple-engine designs, the

power plants are usually located along the wings, in nacelles or in pods below the wing. Pods housing turbine

power plants are attached to the rear of the fuselage.

Finally airplanes are land based or water based. They are equipped with wheels or skids or they are mounted on

floats.

The general size, shape, and configuration of an airplane are closely related to the mission for which it is

intended.

Text 3.

Classification by Mission

Airplanes may be classified also by the use for which they are intended - in general military and civil. All military aircraft are: Fighter Airplanes / Attack Airplanes / Bombing Airplanes / Reconnaissance Airplanes Transport Airplanes (Military) / Training Airplanes (Military)

Fighter Airplanes The primary mission of fighter airplanes is to secure the control of air spaces by attacking and destroying all types of enemy aircraft which may be operating in their area.

At the speeds and altitudes at which such aircraft can operate the problem of destroying enemy aircraft becomes extremely complicated and requires electronic, navigational and computing gear. In many cases the search and attack are completely automatic.

In the aerial combat of World Wars I and II, pilots could recognize enemy aircraft and maneuver themselves by visual means. In supersonic modern fighter aircraft the pilot must rely upon electronic devices (to find his enemy and fire his guns at the proper moment).

The fuselage of a modern supersonic fighter is usually long and narrow, wings are short, swept back, frequently of delta configuration. The wings are quite thin, and their surfaces are smooth and free from protu­berances.

Very little space is available for the comfort of the pilot in a fighter airplane. Every available cubic inch in the airplane is utilized for the storage of fuel, ammunition, guns, computers, power plant and equipment. The pilot's cockpit is heated and pressurized for high-altitude operation, but he must also wear protective pressurized clothing to enable him to withstand the high accelerations to which he is subject during high-speed maneuvers, together with a protective helmet for crash survival.