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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V1 | Decision speed; below V1 take-off is abandoned if the critical engine fails, aircraft can stop safely within remaining runway; above V1 take-off can be continued safely |
V2 | Minimum take-off safety speed |
VA | Design manoeuvring speed |
VC | Design cruise speed |
VD | Design diving speed |
VMO | Maximum (permitted) operating speed; re: MMO |
VNE | Never exceed speed |
VR | Rotation speed, speed at which pilot raises nose of aircraft during take-off |
VS | Stalling speed |
VAR | Variation |
variable geometry | Aircraft capable of changing wing-sweep in flight |
variable pitch | Propellor which can change pitch of its blades in flight |
VASI | Visual approach slope indicator |
VASIS | Visual approach slope indicator system |
VDU | Video display unit |
also: | Visual display unit |
vertrep | Vertical replenishment |
VFR | Visual flight rules |
VG | Variable geometry |
VHF | Very high frequency |
VHSIC | Very high speed integrated circuits |
VIP | Very important person |
VL | Vertical landing |
VLA | Very light aircraft; special section of the CS-23 / JAR 23 certification category, for VFR-only aircraft with a MTOW of 750 kg and a maximum of 2 persons on board |
VLF | Very low frequency |
VLO | Very low observable |
VMC | Visual meteorological conditions |
VMS | Vehicle management system |
VOD | Vertical on-board delivery |
VOLMET | Regular broadcast of meteorological information by ground station |
VOR | VHF omnidirectional radio range |
vortex generator | Small blade perpendicular to wing or tail surface; creates vortex in the boundary layer, keeping the boundary layer attached to the surface, thus improving control |
vortillon | Fence around underside of wing leading-edge; controls boundary layer direction |
VP | Variable pitch (propellor) |
VPU | Video processing unit |
VSD | Vertical situation display |
VSI | Vertical speed indicator |
V/STOL | Vertical / short take-off and landing |
VTOL | Vertical take-off and landing |