Observer's Directory of Military Aircraft
William Green, Gordon Swanborough - Observer's Directory of Military Aircraft
Arco Publishing | 1982 | ISBN: 0668056495 | English | 264 pages | PDF | 55.63 MB
Arco Publishing | 1982 | ISBN: 0668056495 | English | 264 pages | PDF | 55.63 MB
When spotting aircraft, observers generally notice the key attributes of an aircraft, such as a distinctive noise from its engine or the number of vapour trails it is leaving. Observers assess the size of the aircraft and the number, type and position of its engines. Another distinctive attribute is the position of wings relative to the fuselage and the degree to which they are swept rearwards. The wings may be above the fuselage, below it, or fixed at midpoint. The number of wings indicate whether it is a monoplane, biplane or triplane. The position of the tailplane relative to the fin(s) and the shape of the fin are other attributes. The configuration of the landing gear can be distinctive, as well. Other features include the speed, cockpit placement, colour scheme or special equipment that changes the silhouette of the aircraft. Taken together these traits will enable the identification of an aircraft.