Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
and is used to stabilize the plane and to help it turn. The tail consists of two parts—a horizontal,
wing-like structure called the
horizontal stabilizer
and a vertical structure called the
vertical
stabilizer
or
vertical fin
.
Figure 10-2.
Airplane schematic
Here is a short glossary defining the terms shown in Figure 10-2 and some other airplane
geometry terms as well:
•
Aileron
: Movable areas on the trailing (back) edge of the wing that when deflected cause
the airplane to roll.
•
Aspect ratio
: The ratio of the span of the wing to its chord. A high-aspect ratio wing is
long and slender, with a wide span and narrow chord.
•
Chord
: The distance from the front (or leading) edge of the wing to the back
(or trailing) edge.
•
Elevator
: A movable part of the horizontal part of the tail that controls the pitch of
the aircraft.
•
Flap
: A movable, usually hinged part of the wing used to increase the lift or drag of
the wing.
•
Landing gear
: The wheels or other structures used during takeoff or landing.
•
Pitch
: The nose-up/nose-down rotation of the airplane.
•
Rudder
: The movable part of the vertical stabilizer used to control the yaw of the aircraft.
•
Span
: The width of the wing from wing tip to wing tip.
•
Yaw
: The side-to-side rotation of the nose of the airplane.
