The aviation industry has come a long way in terms of innovation and technology. One of the latest developments in the industry is the blended wing design. This new design has been the subject of much discussion and debate in recent years. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of blended wing, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Blended wing is a type of aircraft design that merges the wings and the body of the aircraft into a seamless, aerodynamic structure. The design eliminates the traditional wing-body joint, resulting in a more efficient and aerodynamic shape. The blended wing design is also known as a flying wing.
Origin
The blended wing design has been around for decades, but it was only in recent years that it gained popularity. The first blended wing aircraft was the Northrop B-2 Spirit, which was introduced in the 1980s. The B-2 Spirit was a stealth bomber that used the blended wing design to reduce its radar signature. Since then, the blended wing design has been used in various aircraft, including commercial airliners and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Meaning in different dictionaries
The blended wing design is not a term that is commonly found in dictionaries. However, the term flying wing is often used to describe the same design. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a flying wing is “an aircraft with no separate tail section, the whole structure being one continuous, smoothly contoured wing.”
Associations
The blended wing design is associated with several benefits, including increased fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and improved aerodynamics. The design also allows for greater payload capacity and range. However, the design is also associated with several challenges, including stability and control issues, as well as the need for advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for blended wing, including flying wing, blended body, and blended fuselage.
Antonyms
The antonyms of blended wing would be traditional wing design or conventional aircraft design.
The same root words
The root words of blended wing are blended and wing. Blended means to mix or combine, while wing refers to the structure that provides lift and support to an aircraft.
Example Sentences
- The blended wing design of the B-2 Spirit made it virtually invisible to radar.
- The new commercial airliner features a blended wing design that reduces fuel consumption by 20%.
- The blended wing design of the UAV allows it to fly for extended periods without refueling.