Sun, Feb 15, 2009
Aero-Terms!
Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms,
names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that
populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed
wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.
Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of
the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects
of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also
encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research
any intriguing terms.
Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS
welcome, as are additions or discussion of the
explanations given for each Aero-Term.
Mid-Air
Retrieval
A technique used in atmospheric reentry when the reentering
vehicle is incapable of a satisfactory unassisted landing. The
vehicle is slowed by means of parachutes, and then a
specially-equipped aircraft matches the vehicle's trajectory and
catches it in mid-air. This is a risky technique, and so is only
used when other forms of landing are infeasible. Successful mid-air
retrieval requires correct operation of the retrieving aircraft,
favorable atmospheric conditions, and successful execution of a
tricky maneuver, in addition to correct operation of the vehicle
itself. Complicating matters, helicopters, which are the optimal
aircraft for these operations due to their maneuverability, are
particularly prone to mechanical breakdown. These risks can be
mitigated somewhat: for example, multiple recovery aircraft can be
used. The need for human aviators to perform a maneuver which would
normally be classed as a stunt may in the future be avoided by
advances in unmanned aerial vehicles.
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