Aeronautics Versus Aerospace

Before there can be a discussion about aeronautics, it must be defined a bit better. Aeronautics is the science of designing an airplane or other flying machine. There are four basic subjects that aeronautical engineers must understand.

1. How to shape the airplane and its wing and tail so that it slips easily through the air and can lift itself off the ground. This is called aerodynamics.

2. How to control the airplane so that it will be able to turn but not spin out of control. This is called stability and control.

3. How to build an engine (be it jet or propeller) so that the airplane can push its way through the air. This is called propulsion.

4. How to build the airplane so that it won't fall apart when it hits a gust of wind or slams down on an aircraft carrier. This is called structures.

Aeronautical engineering should not be confused with aerospace engineering, which deals with things such as rockets and satellites. While rockets must ascend through the atmosphere, they must also navigate through space where there is no air. Their designs and engines have very different requirements than those of airplanes.

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Last modified: Mon Jun 15 20:45:02 PDT 1998

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