flying wing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical, Aviation, Military
Quick answer
What does “flying wing” mean?
A tailless fixed-wing aircraft design where the main body and wings are blended into a single, unified airfoil structure with no distinct fuselage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tailless fixed-wing aircraft design where the main body and wings are blended into a single, unified airfoil structure with no distinct fuselage.
In a broader or metaphorical sense, it can refer to any similar wing-only design in other contexts, like a kite or certain architectural or artistic forms, and is also the common name for the Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and meaning. Pronunciation differences are minor and phonetic. There are no regional synonyms.
Connotations
Strong association with American aviation pioneer Jack Northrop and modern US Air Force technology. In British English, it is a purely technical/aviation term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the prominence of the Northrop Grumman B-2 program.
Grammar
How to Use “flying wing” in a Sentence
the [ADJ] flying wingflying wing [VERB][VERB] a flying wingdesign/development of a flying wingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying wing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- *Not used as a verb*
American English
- *Not used as a verb*
adverb
British English
- *Not used as an adverb*
American English
- *Not used as an adverb*
adjective
British English
- The flying-wing concept posed unique control challenges.
- They studied flying-wing aerodynamics.
American English
- The flying-wing design offered greater stealth.
- A flying-wing prototype was tested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in aerospace/defense sectors discussing product portfolios: 'The contract focuses on next-generation flying wing technology.'
Academic
Used in aeronautical engineering, design history, and military studies papers: 'The aerodynamic efficiency of the flying wing configuration was analysed.'
Everyday
Rare. When used, typically refers to the visually distinctive B-2 bomber: 'I saw a documentary about that weird flying wing stealth bomber.'
Technical
Primary register. Precise term for an aircraft configuration: 'The flying wing's low observability stems from its lack of vertical stabilisers.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying wing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying wing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying wing”
- Using it as an adjective (*a flying-wing design* is correct, *a flying wing design* is less common).
- Confusing it with 'delta wing' (which often has a fuselage).
- Capitalising it incorrectly unless part of a proper name (e.g., 'the Flying Wing' for a specific prototype).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related concepts. A 'pure' flying wing is almost entirely wing, while a 'blended wing body' (BWB) has a flattened, wing-like centre section that provides cabin space, blending features of a fuselage and a wing. The BWB is a modern evolution of the flying wing idea.
While aerodynamically efficient, pure flying wings can be inherently unstable and difficult to control without advanced computer systems. They also present challenges for passenger/cargo accommodation, emergency exits, and integration with existing airport infrastructure.
The German Horten Ho 229, a jet-powered prototype from World War II, is one of the earliest known operational examples. However, Jack Northrop's experimental aircraft in the 1940s, like the N-1M and N-9M, are foundational to the modern American concept.
By strict definition, a 'pure' flying wing has no vertical stabilisers (tails). Some tailless aircraft might have small vertical surfaces or wingtip fins for stability, but these are generally not considered 'pure' flying wings. The B-2 uses split rudders and advanced flight controls instead.
A tailless fixed-wing aircraft design where the main body and wings are blended into a single, unified airfoil structure with no distinct fuselage.
Flying wing is usually technical, aviation, military in register.
Flying wing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈwɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈwɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “*None directly associated with this technical term*”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BAT flying—its body IS the wing. A 'flying wing' is an aircraft built the same way: all wing, no separate body.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRCRAFT AS A SINGLE SURFACE (vs. aircraft as a collection of parts).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary aerodynamic advantage of a flying wing?