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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| w | Weight |
| W&B | Weight and balance |
| WAC | Weapon aiming computer |
| WARPAC | Warsaw Pact (defunct) |
| WAS | Weapon aiming system |
| wash-in | In-built twist in wing or rotor increasing angle of incidence towards tip |
| wash-out | In-built twist in wing or rotor decreasing angle of incidence towards tip |
| watt | Unit of power (= 1J/s) (SI) |
| waypoint | Predetermined geographical point forming beginning or end of a route segment |
| WBT | Web based training |
| WDNS | Weapon delivery and navigation system |
| WEF | With effect from |
| wet lease | Lease of commercial aircraft from another carrier including at least flight crew but usually not the cabin crew; major service still provided by owner |
| wet wing | Wing in which fuel tanks are integral part of the structure |
| WEU | Western European Union |
| WFU | Withdrawn from use |
| WGT | Weight |
| wheelbase | Distance between centre of nosewheel or tailwheel and line joining centre of mainwheels |
| white-tail | Unsold or presently not leased aircraft available for immediate lease/sale |
| wide body | Commercial aircraft with cabin large enough to accomodate two aisles |
| WIG | Wing-in-ground-effect |
| Wild Weasel | Nowadays used as a generic term for dedicated EW platform based on combat aircraft; originally code name for specific USAF program |
| wing area | Total area of clean wing and area of fuselage within projected leading edge and trailing edge |
| winglet | Wingtip which is turned up; increases efficiency of by reducing tip vortex |
| wing loading | MTOW divided by wing area |
| WIP | Work in progress |
| W/O | Written-off |
| WIU | Weapons interface unit |
| WOD | Wind over deck (on aircraft carrier) |
| WOW | Weight on wheels |
| WRAF | Women's Royal Air Force (UK) |
| write-off | An aircraft which has been so severely damaged as to make repair uneconomical |
| WRNG | Warning |
| WRS | Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (USAF) |
| WSI | Windshear indicator |
| WSO | Weapon system operator |
| also: | Weapon systems officer |
| WW | World War |
| WXR | Weather radar |