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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| R/C | Radio control |
| R&D | Research and development |
| R&M | Reliability and maintainability |
| R/Nav | re: RNAV |
| RAAWS | Radar altimeter & altitude warning system |
| radar | Radio detection and ranging |
| radius of action | Maximum distance a (combat) aircraft can fly with a normal load and return to base without (inflight) refuelling |
| RAeS | Royal Aeronautical Society (UK) |
| RAF | Royal Air Force (UK) |
| RAFVR | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (UK) |
| RAI | Registro Aeronautico Italiano; Italian civil aviation authority |
| RAM | Radar absorbent material |
| also: | Random access memory |
| ramp weight | MTOGW plus fuel allowances for taxi & run-up |
| RAP | Rocket assisted projectile |
| RAS | Rectified airspeed; IAS corrected for position error |
| RAT | Ram air turbine |
| RATO | Rocket assisted take-off |
| RATOG | Rocket assisted take-off gear |
| RAuxAF | Royal Auxiliary Air Force |
| RAWS | Radar altitude warning system |
| also: | Radar attack and warning system |
| RCC | Rescue co-ordination centre |
| RCS | Radar cross section |
| RDT&E | Research, development, test and evaluation |
| reaction-control jet | Nozzles on extremities of aircraft which, using engine bleed air, control the aircraft |
| redundancy | Capability to continue function after failure of primary system |
| RESA | Runway end safety area |
| revenue passengers | Passengers who pay 25% or more of normal applicable fare |
| RF | Radio frequency |
| RFID | Radio frequency identification |
| RfP | Request for proposal |
| RG | Reconnaissance Group (USAF) |
| RHAW | Radar homing and warning |
| RHWR | Radar homing and warning receiver |
| RHWS | Radar homing and warning system |
| RIC | Reconnaissance interpretation centre |
| RIO | Radar intercept officer |
| RMI | Radio magnetic indicator |
| also: | Remote magnetic indicator |
| RNAV | Navigation system which uses 'ghost' beacons in combination with airways beacons to calculate position with reference to any point on the surface |
| ROC or roc | Rate of climb |
| root | Innermost part of a wing where it attaches to the fuselage |
| RPA | Remotely piloted airship |
| also: | Remotely piloted aircraft |
| rpg | Rounds per gun |
| rpm | Revolutions per minute |
| RPV | Remotely piloted vehicle |
| RQF | Rescue Flight (USAF) |
| RQS | Rescue Squadron (USAF) |
| RQW | Rescue Wing (USAF) |
| RRC | Rapid Reaction Corps (NATO) |
| RRF | Rapid Reaction Force (NATO) |
| RS | Reconnaissance Squadron (USAF) |
| RSA | Réseau du Sport de l'Air; French EAA |
| RSS | Relaxed static stability |
| RTB | Return to base |
| RTF | Radiotelephone |
| ruddervator | Moving flight control surface of V-tail; combines functions of rudder and elevator |
| RV | Re-entry vehicle |
| RVR | Runway visual range |
| RW | Reconnaissance Wing (USAF) |
| RWR | Radar warning receiver |
| RWS | Radar warning system |
| RX | Receiver |