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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| O&M | Operations & maintenance |
| O2 | Oxygen |
| OAT | Outside air temperature |
| OBIGGS | On-board inert gas generating system |
| oblique wing | Wing pivoted at mid-point so that one-half is swept forward, the other half swept backward; aka 'slew wing' |
| OBOGS | On-board oxygen generating system |
| OBS | Omni-bearing selector |
| also: | On-board simulation |
| OBST | Obstacle |
| OC | Officer commanding |
| also: | On condition |
| OCA | Obstacle clearance altitude |
| OCH | Obstacle clearance height |
| OCU | Operational conversion unit |
| also: | Operational capabilities upgrade |
| OEI | One engine inoperative |
| OEM | Original equipment manufacturer |
| OEU | Operational evaluation unit |
| offset | Agreement with a customer nation to contract local workshare; helps to offset purchase costs of aircraft/system aquisition and creates local employment |
| OG | Operations Group (USAF) |
| OGE | Out of ground effect; helicopter hovering performance far above land or water surface |
| OGMA | Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronautico (Portugal) |
| OKB | Opytno-Kunstruktorskoye Byuro; Russian designation for aircraft or missile design bureau |
| Omega | Long-range radio navigation aid |
| OMI | Omni-bearing magnetic indicator |
| Opeval | Operational evaluation |
| OPN | Open |
| OPR | Operator |
| OPS | Operations |
| OR | Operational requirement (RAF) |
| OSS | Operational Support Squadron (USAF) |
| OTH | Over the horizon |
| OTHT | Over the horizon targeting |
| OTU | Operational training unit |
| outer marker | ILS marker situated on centerline of approach, about 4.5 nm (8.3 km) from runway threshold |
| OWE | Operating weight empty |