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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| m | metre (= 3.279 ft) |
| M | re: Mach |
| m/s | meters per second (1 m/s = 1.94 kts = 3.6 km/h = 197 fpm) |
| MAC | Mean aerodynamic chord |
| also: | Military Airlift Command (USAF) |
| Mach | Mach number; the aircraft speed divided by the speed of sound; in a standard atmosphere at s/l Mach 1 is 661 kts (1225 km/h); at 36000 ft Mach 1 is 574 kts (1063 km/h) |
| MAD | Magnetic anomaly detector |
| also: | Mutually assured destruction |
| MAG | Marine Air Group (USMC) |
| manifest | List of all passengers and cargo for a specific flight |
| MANPADS | Man-portable air defence system |
| MAP | Military Aid Program |
| also: | Mutual Assistance Program |
| also: | Military Assistance Program |
| MAPO | Moscow Aircraft Production Organisation |
| MARS | Mid-Air Recovery/Retrieval System (USN/USAF) |
| MARV | Manoeuvring re-entry vehicle |
| mass balance | Weight attached to control surface; reduces or eliminates flutter |
| MATS | Military Air Transport Service; predecessor of MAC (USAF) |
| MATZ | Military air traffic zone |
| MAW | Marine Air Wing (USMC) |
| also: | Military Airlift Wing (USAF) |
| MAWS | Missile approach warning system |
| mb | Millibar; re: bar |
| MC | Magnetic course |
| MCAS | Marine Corps Air Station (USMC) |
| MCM | Mine counter measures |
| MCP | Maximum continuous power |
| MCU | Management control unit |
| MEDA | Military emergency diversion airfield |
| medevac | Medical evacuation |
| MEP | Mission equipment package |
| MER | Multiple ejector rack |
| MEWSG | Maritime Electronic Support Warfare Group (UK) |
| MEZ | Maritime exclusion zone |
| MF | Medium frequency |
| MFD | Multi-function display |
| MG | Machinegun |
| MGTOW | Maximum gross take-off weight |
| MH | Magnetic heading |
| MHz | Megahertz; aka'Megacycles' |
| Microlight | Class of manned aircraft with very low MTOW, usually below 500 kg (1100 lbs). No single comprehensive definition can be given, as rules for these aircraft differ significantly per country. |
| MIL-STD | Military standard |
| MILSTAR | Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (US) |
| MIN | Minute |
| MIRV | Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles |
| MIS | Missile Squadron (US) |
| missed approach | An approach which is aborted, followed by an overshoot |
| MLA | Microlight aircraft; re: microlight |
| MLS | Microwave landing system |
| MLU | Mid-life upgrade |
| also: | Mid-life update |
| MLW | Maximum landing weight |
| mm | Millimetre |
| MMH/FH | Maintenance man-hours per flight hour |
| Mmo | Maximum operating Mach number |
| MMS | Mission management system |
| also: | Mast-mounted sight (helicopter) |
| Mne | Mach number never to exceed; not used in normal flight; available in emergency |
| MMWR | Millimetre wave radar |
| MNM | Minimum |
| MoA | Memorandum of agreement |
| MoD | Ministry of defence |
| mod | Modified |
| also: | Modification |
| MOGAS | Automotive gasoline |
| monocoque | Construction method in which all strenght is in the outer skin and directly underlying stringers and frames, without any interior structure |
| MoU | Memorandum of understanding |
| MPA | Maritime patrol aircraft |
| also: | Man-powered aircraft |
| MPC | Missile practice camp |
| MPD | Multi purpose display |
| mph | Miles per hour (1 mph = 1.609 km/h = 1.151 kts) |
| MPL | Multicrew pilot license |
| MPR | Military power reserve |
| also: | Maximum power reserve |
| MR | Maritime reconnaissance |
| also: | Medium range |
| MRAAM | Medium range air-to-air missile |
| MRL | Multiple rocket launcher |
| MRO | Maintenance, repair and overhaul |
| MRW | Maximum ramp weight |
| MSA | Minimum safe altitude |
| MSIP | Multi stage improvement programme |
| also: | Multinational staged improvement programme |
| MSL or msl | Mean sea level |
| MSN | Manufacturer's serial number |
| MSPS | Modular self protection system |
| MT | Magnetic track |
| MTA | Military training area |
| MTBF | Mean time between failure |
| MTBM | Mean time between maintenance |
| MTBO | Mean time between overhauls |
| MTBR | Mean time between removals |
| also: | Mean time between repairs |
| also: | Mean time between replacement |
| MTD | Moving target detection |
| MTI | Moving target indicator; a radar facility |
| MTM | Maximum taxi mass |
| MTOGW | Maximum take-off gross weight |
| MTOM | Maximum take-off mass |
| MTOW | Maximum take-off weight |
| MTT | Multiple target tracking |
| MU | Maintenance Unit (RAF) |
| MW | Medium wave |
| also: | Missile Wing (USAF) |
| MYP | Multiyear procurement (US) |
| MZFW | Maximum zero fuel weight |