Definition
A reciprocating aircraft engine fitted with a mechanically driven air compressor that pressurizes the intake air before it enters the cylinders. The compressor is driven by the engine's crankshaft, typically through a gear train, and increases the mass of air delivered to each cylinder so the engine can produce more power than it would on ambient air alone, especially at higher altitudes where air density is lower.
Plain English
An engine with a built-in air pump, driven by the engine itself, that squeezes more air into the cylinders so the engine can keep making strong power even as the air gets thinner with altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft engine descriptions, powerplant maintenance, high-altitude performance discussions, and engine operating limitations.
Derivation
From 'super-' (above, beyond) and 'charge' (to fill or load). The 'charge' is the air-fuel mixture loaded into a cylinder. To 'supercharge' is to load that charge more heavily than atmospheric pressure would naturally allow.
Why Pilots Care
Supercharging preserves engine power as altitude rises, giving better climb performance and higher service ceilings than normally aspirated engines.
Analogy
It is like using a pump to push more air into something instead of letting air flow in by itself. The engine gets a denser supply of air, so it can burn more fuel and make more power.
Intuition Check
Supercharged does not just mean “very powerful.” It means the engine has a compressor that actively pushes extra air into the intake.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft had a supercharged engine, the pilot was able to maintain full rated power well above the altitude where a normally aspirated engine would have started losing performance.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight, the mechanic checked the supercharged engine's blower section for oil leaks.