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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| t | re: tonne |
| t/c | Thickness/chord ratio |
| T-O | Take-off |
| T&TW | Test & Training Wing (USAF) |
| T/W | Thrust/weight ratio |
| TA | Terrain avoidance |
| also: | Target aquisition |
| TAC | Tactical Air Command (USAF) |
| Tacamo | Take charge and move out (US Navy) |
| Tacan | Tactical air navigation (military UHF navaid) |
| Tacco | Tactical commander |
| also: | Tactical co-ordinator |
| Taceval | Tactical evaluation (NATO) |
| TAF | Tactical air force |
| taileron | Tailplane which is used as primary control surface for both pitch and roll |
| TANS | Tactical air navigation system |
| TARCAP | Target combat air patrol |
| TAS | True airspeed |
| also: | Tactical alerting system |
| also: | Target aquisition system |
| TBA | To be announced |
| TBD | To be decided |
| TBM | Tactical ballistic missile |
| TBO | Time between overhauls |
| TBR | Time between removals |
| TC | Type certificate |
| TCAS | Traffic alert and collision avoidance system |
| TDS | Tactical data system |
| TDY | Temporary duty (US) |
| TEG | Test & Evaluation Group (USAF) |
| TER | Triple ejector rack |
| TERCOM | Terrain contour matching; navigation system |
| TES | Test & Evaluation Squadron (USAF) |
| TET | Turbine entry temperature |
| TF | Task Force |
| TFG | Tactical Fighter Group (USAF) |
| TFR | Terrain following radar |
| TFS | Tactical Fighter Squadron (USAF) |
| TFTS | Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (USAF) |
| TFW | Tactical Fighter Wing (USAF) |
| TGT | Turbine gas temperature |
| TGW | Terminally guided weapon |
| THK | Türk Hava Kuvvetleri; Turkish Air Force |
| TI | Thermal imager |
| also: | Trials installation |
| TIAS | Target identification and aquisition system |
| tilt-rotor | Aircraft with variable incidence rotors; allows both vertical and fast horizontal flight; rotors are on tips of fixed-wing |
| TINS | Thermal imaging navigation set |
| TIT | Turbine inlet temperature |
| TLS | Tactical landing system |
| TMA | Terminal control area |
| TMN | True Mach No. |
| TODA | Take-off distance available |
| TODR | Take-off distance required |
| TORA | Take-off run available |
| TORR | Take-off run required |
| TOGW | Take-off gross weight |
| tonne | 1000 kilogrammes |
| TOT | Time over target |
| TOW | Take-off weight |
| top cover | High level fighter cover to protect lower flying attack or bomber formations |
| TPS | Test Pilots' School |
| TR | Tactical reconnaissance (USAF) |
| track | Distance between main landing wheels |
| transceiver | Radio transmitter and receiver |
| transponder | Transmitter/responder; radio which automatically sends a precoded reply when triggered by a particular received signal |
| trim | To adjust balance of aircraft, enabling hands-off flight |
| trim tab | Hinged portion of trailing edge of control surface to hold aircraft in trim |
| TRN | Terrain reference navigation |
| TRS | Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (USAF) |
| TS | Test Squadron (USAF) |
| TsAGI | Central Aero and Hydrodynamics Institute of the Russian Federation (Moscow) |
| TSFC | Thrust specific fuel consumption |
| TSIAM | Central Aero Engine Institute (Moscow) |
| TSD | Tactical situation display |
| TSO | Technical standing order (FAA) |
| TSOR | Tentative Specific Operational Requirement |
| TT | Total time |
| TTAE | Total time, aircraft & engine |
| TTF | Tanker Task Force |
| TTW | Technical Training Wing (USAF) |
| turbofan | Basically a turbojet engine with extra turbine stages driving a large diameter fan which generates most of the thrust; most of the airflow bypasses the engine core |
| turbojet | Most basic form of gas turbine; consisting of compressor, combustion chamber and turbine; most energy remains as gas which is expended through a propulsive nozzle at high velocity |
| turboprop | Similar to turbofan, but power is geared-down to drive a propellor |
| turboshaft | Gas turbine which powers a high-speed shaft; usually in a helicopter |
| TV | Television |
| TVC | Thrust vector control |
| TW | Test Wing (USAF) |
| TW/AA | Threat-warning and attack assessment |
| TWI | Threat warning indicator |
| twist | Progressive change of angle of incidence of wing or rotor blade from root to tip |
| TWR | Threat warning receiver |
| also: | Tower (aerodrome control tower) |
| TWS | Track-while-scan |
| also: | Tail warning system |
| TWT | Travelling wave tube |
| TWU | Tactical Weapons Unit (RAF) |
| TYP | Type (of aircraft) |
| type certificate | Legal document certifying aircraft or engine and allowing manufacturer to offer aircraft/engine for sale |