Aircraft vs. Airplane — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 20, 2023
An aircraft is any vehicle capable of flight, while an airplane is a specific type of aircraft with wings and one or more engines.
Difference Between Aircraft and Airplane
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both aircraft and airplane pertain to modes of transportation that fly. An aircraft represents any vehicle capable of atmospheric flight, covering a vast range of flying machines. On the contrary, an airplane specifically refers to a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
Given the broad scope of the term aircraft, it encompasses helicopters, gliders, drones, and even balloons. An airplane, however, remains constrained to designs that use engines to propel themselves forward and wings to generate lift.
Historically, the emergence of aircraft predates the invention of airplanes. Early forms of aircraft, like hot air balloons, showed the potential of aerial travel. Only later did the airplane, with its distinctive design of wings and propulsion, revolutionize air travel.
When discussing the aviation industry, aircraft serves as a comprehensive term, inclusive of all air vehicles used for transportation, military, or recreational purposes. In contrast, airplane typically pertains to commercial passenger and cargo planes.
In daily language, people often use the term airplane when referring to the common commercial jets they travel in. Aircraft, while also used commonly, can imply a broader array of airborne vehicles, from small private planes to massive military drones.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any vehicle capable of flight.
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
Includes
Helicopters, gliders, drones, balloons, airplanes.
Specifically fixed-wing aircrafts.
Engines
May or may not have engines.
Typically has one or more engines.
Historical Context
Represents all flying vehicles, including early innovations.
A later, specific innovation in aircraft design.
Common Usage
Broader term in aviation industry.
Refers commonly to commercial passenger planes.
Compare with Definitions
Aircraft
Encompasses both manned and unmanned vehicles.
Drones are unmanned aircraft used for various purposes.
Airplane
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
The airplane took off on time despite the weather.
Aircraft
A broad term covering all airborne transportation modes.
The development of new aircraft technologies has changed aviation.
Airplane
A specific type of aircraft designed for forward motion.
The invention of the airplane revolutionized long-distance travel.
Aircraft
Any vehicle capable of atmospheric flight.
The museum displayed various types of aircraft from different eras.
Airplane
Requires engines for propulsion.
The airplane's engines roared as it accelerated on the runway.
Aircraft
A machine designed for air travel that has a flight system.
The military showcased its latest aircraft at the air show.
Airplane
Commonly used for commercial passenger travel.
She took an airplane to visit her family overseas.
Aircraft
Can refer to both commercial and military flying machines.
The aircraft manufacturers received a huge order from the airline.
Airplane
Typically has a cockpit for pilots.
The pilot navigated the airplane through turbulent skies.
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle or machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.
Airplane
An airplane or aeroplane (informally plane) is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wing configurations.
Aircraft
An aeroplane, helicopter, or other machine capable of flight.
Airplane
A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces; an aeroplane.
Aircraft
A machine or device, such as an airplane, helicopter, glider, dirigible, or drone, capable of atmospheric flight.
Airplane
Any of various winged vehicles capable of flight, generally heavier than air and driven by jet engines or propellers.
Aircraft
A vehicle capable of atmospheric flight due to interaction with the air, such as buoyancy or lift
Airplane
A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings.
Aircraft
Any vehicle, such as an airplane, helicopter, balloon, etc., for floating in, or flying through, the air.
Airplane
(intransitive) To fly in an aeroplane.
Aircraft
A vehicle that can fly
Airplane
(transitive) To transport by aeroplane.
Airplane
A heavier-than-air aircraft. Same as aeroplane{2}.
Airplane
An aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets;
The flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane
Common Curiosities
Which came first, aircraft or airplane?
Aircraft came first, with innovations like balloons preceding airplanes.
Can a helicopter be termed an airplane?
No, a helicopter is an aircraft but not an airplane.
Is a drone an airplane?
No, a drone is an aircraft but not categorized as an airplane.
How does an aircraft differ from an airplane?
An aircraft encompasses any flying vehicle, while an airplane is specifically a powered vehicle with fixed wings.
Can the term aircraft refer to space vehicles?
Typically, aircraft refers to vehicles in Earth's atmosphere, while spacecraft are for space travel.
Do all aircraft have engines?
No, not all aircraft have engines, e.g., gliders. However, airplanes do have engines.
Do all airplanes have pilots?
Most airplanes have pilots, but there are unmanned airplanes or drones.
Are balloons and blimps considered airplanes?
No, they are types of aircraft but not airplanes.
Which is more specific in terminology, aircraft or airplane?
Airplane is more specific, referring to a subset of aircraft.
Can the term airplane include military jets?
Yes, military jets are a type of airplane, which in turn is a type of aircraft.
What's the primary purpose of an airplane's wings?
An airplane's wings provide lift, essential for flight.
Can an aircraft function without wings?
Yes, some aircraft, like helicopters, don't have fixed wings like airplanes.
Is every airplane also an aircraft?
Yes, every airplane is an aircraft, but not every aircraft is an airplane.
How do engines affect an airplane's design?
Engines provide propulsion, essential for an airplane's forward motion and lift.
Do all airplanes look similar?
No, airplanes can vary greatly in design, size, and purpose.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
