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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| DAB | Defence Aquisition Board (US) |
| Dacron | Covering material for light aircraft (trade name) |
| DACT | Dissimilar air combat training |
| DADC | Digital air data computer |
| DADS | Digital air data system |
| DAFCS | Digital automatic flight control system |
| DARPA | Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (US DoD); re: ARPA |
| databus | Electronic network for passing digital data between system processors and aircraft sensors |
| dB | Decibel |
| DBNS | Doppler bombing/navigation system |
| DBS | Doppler beam sharpening |
| DC | Direct current |
| DDI | Digital display indicator |
| dead-stick landing | Landing a powered aircraft with all engines stopped |
| dem/val or: DemVal | Demonstration/validation |
| derated | Maximum power of powerplant deliberately set below maximum possible power |
| DEW | Distant early warning (US) |
| DF | Direction finder |
| DFCC | Digital flight control computer |
| DFCS | Digital flight control systemn |
| also: | Digital fire control system |
| DFDR | Digital flight data recorder |
| DFVLR | Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt; German aviation research establishment |
| DGAC | Direction Générale a l'Aviation Civile; French civil aviation authority |
| dibber bomb | Bomb which penetrates a concrete runway before exploding |
| dihedral | Upward wing inclination from root to tip |
| DINAS | Digital inertial navigation/attack system |
| DINS | Digital inertial navigation system |
| dirty | Aircraft configuration with landing gear, flaps, spoilers etc. extended |
| disc loading | Helicopter (or tilt-rotor) weight divided by main rotor disc area |
| disposable load | Total weight which can be loaded and unloaded (payload, usable fuel, crew) |
| DLC | Direct lift control |
| DME | Distance measuring equipment; navigation aid, measures distance to ground station |
| DMU | Data management unit |
| also: | Distance measuring unit |
| DMZ | Demilitarised zone |
| DoD | Department of Defence (US) |
| dog-tooth | Step in leading edge where chord increases; aka saw-tooth |
| double-slotted flap | Flap with additional aerofoil ahead of main flap |
| dry lease | Leasing arrangement between two airlines without crew or supporting services |
| DTE | Data transfer equipment |
| DT&E | Development test & evaluation |
| duty runway | Designated runway for flying operations at a specific time |
| DVI | Direct voice input |
| DZ | Dropping zone |