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A fixed-wing aircraft, commonly known as an airplane, is a type of aircraft that is heavier than air and is propelled by a propeller or jet engine. Its flight is sustained by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings, which are fixed and do not flap. The fundamental components of an airplane include wings for lift, tail surfaces for stability, movable surfaces for control, and a power plant for thrust. The airframe, the basic structure of the airplane, is designed to withstand aerodynamic forces and the weight of its contents. Early aerodynamic research, including the study of lift and wing shape, was crucial for the development of fixed-wing aircraft, with pioneers like George Cayley and Otto Lilienthal making significant contributions.123

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