Glossary
Navigating the complex world of aerospace can be daunting, especially when it comes to deciphering the industry's extensive list of abbreviations and technical terms. But fear not, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make sense of it all.
From A to Z, this list of aerospace abbreviations and terms is your one-stop-shop for understanding the lingo used in this dynamic field. Whether you're an industry professional, a student, or simply curious about the aerospace industry, this resource will equip you with the knowledge you need to communicate effectively and stay ahead of the curve.
Explore this alphabetized guide and unlock the secrets of the aerospace world. With clear explanations and real-world examples, you'll be speaking the language of the skies in no time. Bookmark this page and refer to it whenever you encounter an unfamiliar acronym or technical jargon – your aerospace journey just got a whole lot smoother.
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| BAI | Battlefield air interdiction |
| ballistic parachute | Emergency recovery parachute, usually for light aircraft or microlights |
| BAPC | British Aircraft Preservation Council |
| bar | Unit of pressure (non-SI); ISA pressure at sea level is 1.0132 bar |
| battle damage | In flight damage directly caused by enemy action |
| BDA | Bomb damage assessment |
| BCAR | British Civil Airworthiness Requirements |
| BDLI | Bundesverband der Deutschen Luftfahrt-, Raumfahrt- und Ausrüstungsindustrie; German Aerospace Industries Association |
| BDR | Battle damage repair |
| Beta mode | Operating regime of propeller or rotor where pilot has direct pitch control of blades |
| BG | Bomb Group (USAF) |
| BHP | Brake horsepower |
| bingo (fuel) | Radio call indicating aircraft has critical (low) fuel state |
| BIT | Built-in test |
| BITE | Built-in test equipment |
| bladder tank | Flexible fuel tank, not part of airframe |
| blade damper | Device which restrains motion of a helicopter blade about drag hinge, reduces noise and vibration |
| BLC | Boundary layer control; control of layer of air in contact with aircraft surface (usually upper wing surface) to increase lift, reduce drag or improve controllability |
| bleed air | Compressed air taken from jet engines to perform useful function |
| Blimp | Non-rigid airship |
| blind flying | Flying without outside visual reference, only using instrumentation |
| blisk | Complete compressor stage on a jet engine, manufactured as a single part |
| block time | Period of time between when aircraft starts to move off the apron (with the intention to take-off) to the time it comes to rest again |
| blown flap | Flap across which bleed air is blown at high speed to prevent airflow breakaway |
| BLU | Bomb live unit |
| BMEWS | Ballistic missile early warning system (US) |
| BPR | Bypass ratio |
| BRS | Ballistic Rescue System; parachute designed to save aircraft in emergency |
| BRW | Brake release weight; maximum allowable weight at start of take-off run |
| BS | Bomb squadron (USAF) |
| buddy-buddy pack | In-flight refueling equipment carried on aircraft weapons pylon in a streamlined container |
| bulk cargo | Loose freight which is not palletised or containerised |
| bus or busbar | Main electrical system to which generator or battery power is supplied |
| BVR | Beyond visual range |
| BW | Bomb wing (USAF) |
| BWB | Blended wing/body |
| bypass ratio | On a turbofan engine: the air that goes around the engine core divided by the air that goes through the engine core |