aircraft
a vehicle or craft capable of atmospheric flight. Heavier than air aircraft, or aerodynes, include autogyros, gyrodynes, helicopters, powered lifts, and conventional fixed-wing aircraft (aeroplanes). Fixed-wing aircraft generally use an internal-combustion engine in the form of a piston engine (with a propeller) or a turbine engine (jet or turboprop), to provide thrust that moves the craft forward through the air. The movement of air over the wings produces lift that causes the aircraft to fly.
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