Plain English Meaning

An aircraft that uses its engines to hold itself up when taking off, landing, or flying slowly, but switches to using fixed wings like an airplane when flying fast.

Full Definition

A category of aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low-speed flight that depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift during these flight regimes, and on non-rotating airfoils for lift during horizontal flight.

Context Anchor

Seen in aircraft category, certification, and training discussions when comparing airplanes, helicopters, and aircraft that can operate vertically but also fly forward on wings.