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.

FMI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-air_retrieval