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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| i/o | Input/output |
| IAC | International Aerobatics Club |
| IADS | Integrated air defence system |
| IAP | International airport |
| IAS | Indicated airspeed |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| IC | Intercom |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
| ICBM | Inter-continental ballistic missile |
| ICNIA | Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification Avionics (USAF/USN) |
| ID | Identification |
| IF | Intermediate frequency |
| IFALPA | International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations |
| IFE | In-flight entertainment |
| IFF | Identify friend or foe |
| IFR | Instrument flight rules |
| also: | In-flight refueling |
| IGE | In ground effect; refers to helicopter hovering performance close to horizontal surface |
| IIR | Imaging infra-red |
| IIRS | Instrument inertial reference set |
| ILS | Instrument landing system |
| IMC | Instrument meteorological conditions |
| IMN | Indicated Mach number |
| Imp gal | Imperial gallon (= 1.201 US gallon; = 4.546 litres) |
| IMS | Information management system |
| also: | Integrated management system |
| INAS | Integrated navigation/attack system |
| Inc | Incorporated |
| incidence | Angle at which wing is set to fore/aft axis of aircraft |
| INEWS | Integrated Electronic Warfare System (USAF/USN) |
| INF | Intermediate range nuclear forces |
| ins | Inches (= 2.54 cm) |
| INS | Inertial navigation system; measures all accelerations on aircraft; calculates present position from known starting position using the integration of accelerations&time |
| INSTR | Instrument |
| integral construction | Construction machined from 1 part instead of assembled from seperate parts |
| integral tank | A (fuel) tank formed by sealing off part of the aircraft structure |
| interdiction | Attack on tactical targets deep inside enemy territory |
| INTL | International |
| IOC | Initial operational capability |
| IOR | Immediate operational requirement |
| IP | Instructor pilot |
| also: | Intermediate pressure |
| IR | Infra-red |
| IRAN | Inspection and repair as necessary (US) |
| IRCM | Infra-red countermeasures |
| IRCCM | Infra-red counter countermeasures |
| IRLS | Infra-red line scan |
| IRS | Inertial reference system |
| IRST | Infra-red search and track |
| IRU | Inertial reference unit |
| IRWR | Infra-red warning receiver |
| ISA | International standard atmosphere |
| ISAR | Inverted synthetic aperture radar |
| ISD | In service date |
| ISO | International Standardisation Organisation |
| ITP | Intent to purchase |
| also: | Instruction to proceed |
| ITT | Invitation to tender |
| IVS | Interactive voice system |
| IWS | Integrated weapon system |