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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| l | Litre(s) (1 litre = 0.264 US Gallon = 0.220 Imperial Gallon) |
| L/D | Lift/drag ratio; measure of aerodynamic efficiency |
| LABS | Low altitude bombing system; aka 'toss bombing' |
| LAH | Light attack helicopter |
| LAN | Local area network |
| LANTIRN | Low altitude navigation and targeting infra-red at night |
| LAPES | Low altitude parachute extraction system |
| Laser | Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation |
| LAT | Latitude |
| LAU | Launcher unit (US) |
| lb | Pound, unit of weight (0.454 kg) |
| lbf | Pounds force (engine thrust rating) |
| lbs | Pounds; re: lb |
| LBA | Luftfahrtbundesamt; German civil aviation authority |
| LCD | Liquid crystal display |
| LCG | Load classification group |
| LCN | Load classification number; represents maximum load an aircraft imposes on runway |
| LDA | Landing distance available |
| LDGW | Landing weight |
| LED | Light emitting diode |
| LEO | Low Earth orbit |
| LERX | Leading edge root extension |
| LEX | Leading edge extension |
| LF | Low frequency |
| LFC | Laminar flow control |
| LGB | Laser guided bomb |
| LGT | Light |
| LH | Light helicopter |
| LHA | Large helicopter assault carrier (USN) |
| LifEx | Life extension |
| lift dumper | Flat plate, raised from upper surface of wing after landing to destroy lift |
| LINS | Laser inertial navigation system |
| LL | Low lead |
| LLGB | Launch & leave guided bomb |
| also: | low-level guided bomb |
| LLLGB | Low-level laser guided bomb |
| LLL(TV) | Low light level (TV) |
| LMTR | Laser marker and target ranger |
| LO | Low observable |
| load factor | Number of seats occupied as a percentage of seats available |
| also: | nett lift on the aircraft, expressed as a multiple of its weight |
| localiser | Directional guidance element of an ILS |
| LOH | Light observation helicopter |
| LoI | Letter of intent |
| loiter | Flight for maximum endurance; significantly below cruising speed |
| LO-LO-LO | Mission profile in which ingress, attack and egress are undertaken at low level |
| LONG | Longitude |
| Loran | Long range navigation |
| LOROP | Long range oblique photography |
| LOS | Line of sight |
| LoTEx | Life of type extension |
| LOx | Liquid oxygen |
| low observables | Structures and materials designed to reduce signatures (radar, visual, noise, infrared and emissions from aircraft); aka'stealth' |
| LP | Low Pressure |
| LPC | Low pressure compressor (jet engine) |
| LPI | Low probability of intercept (stealth radar) |
| LPT | Low pressure turbine (jet engine) |
| LRC | Long range cruise |
| LRGB | Long range guided bomb |
| LRMP | Long range maritime patrol |
| LRMTS | Laser ranger and marked-target seeker |
| LRPA | Long range patrol aircraft |
| LRU | Line replaceable unit |
| LSA | Light sport aircraft |
| LT | Local time |
| Ltd | Limited (company) |
| LTD | Laser target designator |
| LWR | Laser warning receiver |
| LZ | Landing zone |