rotary-wing aircraft
Quick Summary
Rotary-wing aircraft, often referred to as rotorcraft, are a type of aircraft that use rotating blades to generate lift. The most common example of a rotary-wing aircraft is a helicopter.12
Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters can take off and land vertically, hover in place, and fly in any direction. This is achieved through a rotating airfoil assembly, or rotor, mounted on top of the fuselage. The blades of the rotor can be adjusted in pitch to control lift and maneuverability. Helicopters also typically feature a tail rotor to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor, preventing the fuselage from spinning.23
Rotary-wing aircraft have found important applications in both military and civilian aviation, including combat, transport, construction, and surveillance.4
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