cowl

aircraft part

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A cowling is a removable metal covering that houses an aircraft's engine and sometimes part of the fuselage or nacelle. This cover helps to smooth airflow and aid in cooling the engine. The term "cowl" can also refer to a hood or a chimney covering, but in the context of aircraft, it specifically denotes the engine housing. The development of streamlined cowlings was a significant advancement in aviation history, contributing to improved engine reliability, simplicity, and weight reduction.123

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fluid mechanics
Drag
The cowls that are often fitted to the leading edges of aircraft wings have a similar purpose. In Figure 17C, the obstacle is equipped with an internal device—a pump of some sort—which prevents the accumulation of boundary-layer fluid that would otherwise lead to separation by sucking…
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The cowls that are often fitted to the leading edges of aircraft wings have a similar purpose. In Figure 17C, the obstacle is equipped with an internal device—a pump of some sort—which prevents the accumulation of boundary-layer fluid that would otherwise lead to separation by sucking…
Read More