This document provides an overview of aircraft classification. It discusses how aircraft can be classified based on their lift generation, propulsion system, speed, purpose, size, and other characteristics. The core classifications are lighter-than-air aircraft such as balloons and airships, and heavier-than-air aircraft like airplanes, helicopters, and ornithopters. Within these groups, aircraft are further classified by attributes including their engine type, intended use, passenger/cargo capacity, power source, wing configuration, and range. Special aircraft types are also outlined.

1. FLIGHT MECHANICS
Classification of Aircraft
Presented by - Ganesh Natarajan S
Target Audience: Gate Aerospace, Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Students, etc.

2. CORE TOPICS:
Basics: Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere. Classification of aircraft. Airplane
(fixed wing aircraft) configuration and various parts.
Airplane performance: Pressure altitude; equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds; Primary
flight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank indicator. Drag polar; takeoff and landing;
steady climb & descent; absolute and service ceiling; cruise, cruise climb, endurance or loiter;
load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram; Winds: head, tail & cross winds.
Static stability: Angle of attack, sideslip; roll, pitch & yaw controls; longitudinal stick fixed &
free stability, horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size;
dihedral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces.
SPECIAL TOPICS:
Dynamic stability: Euler angles; Equations of motion; aerodynamic forces and moments,
stability & control derivatives; decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics;
longitudinal modes; lateral-directional modes.
SYLLABUS

3. Outline
Let’s Start
CLASSIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT
Previous Lesson Atmosphere Properties Standard Atmosphere
Basics
• Definition of aircraft
• Method of classification
General Classification
• General classification chart
• Comparison
Other Classification
• Specific Classification
• Categories

4. Classification of Aircraft
Aircraft Definition:
A vehicle which is capable of flight by obtaining support from air is called as aircraft.
• Aircraft operates within the atmosphere
• Examples of aircraft are airplanes, helicopters, airships, gliders and hot air balloons.
Methods of Classification:
Aircraft can be classified based on many methods
• Type of Lift Generation
• Propulsion system
• Mach Number (Speed)
• Purpose
• Range
• Mode of Take-off and Landing
• Size and Payload capacity
• Power source
• Others

5. P r o p u l s i o nL i f t
G e n e r a t i o n
Ve h i c l e
AIRCRAFT
LIGHTER THAN
AIR AIRCRAFT
NON – POWER
DRIVEN
Free Balloon
Captive Balloon
POWER
DRIVEN
Air Ship
HEAVIER THAN
AIR AIRCRAFT
NON – POWER
DRIVEN
Glider
Kite
POWER
DRIVEN
Airplane /
Aeroplane
Rotorcraft
Ornithopter
Landplane
Seaplane
Amphibian
Sea Ornithopter
Amphibian
Gyroplane
Helicopter
Land Ornithopter
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

6. LIGHTER THAN AIR
AIRCRAFT
HEAVIER THAN AIR
AIRCRAFT
Kept aloft by gas, which is
generally lighter than air.
They depend on two types of
lift, aerodynamic lift and
powered lift
Technically termed as aerostat Technically termed as aerodyne
They are used almost only for
recreational and research
purposes.
They are commonly used for
aviation means.
E.g.: Hot Air Balloon, Airship E.g.: Aeroplane, helicopter,
Ornithopter

7. Classification based on mach number:
• Subsonic (M<1)
• Transonic (M~1)
• Supersonic (M>1)
• Hypersonic (M>5)
Classification based on type of engine:
• Propeller
• Turboprop
• Turbofan
• Turbojet
• Ramjet
OTHER CLASSIFICATION

8. Classification based on purpose:
• Passenger Transport
• Business jets
• Cargo Transport
• Experimental aircraft
• Trainers
• Military aircraft
o Fighters
o Bombers
o Medical / Rescue Aircraft
o Spy / Reconnaissance Aircraft
• Agricultural aircraft
• Sports aircraft
o Glider
o Recreational aircraft
o Man-powered aircraft
OTHER CLASSIFICATION

9. Classification based on size and payload capacity:
• Micro-airplanes
• Single or double seater airplanes
• Medium size airplanes (~50 passengers)
• Large airplanes (~ 400 passengers)
• Cargo planes
Classification based on source of power:
• Oil
• Solar power
• Electric power
• Nuclear power
OTHER CLASSIFICATION

10. Classification based on number of wings:
• Monoplanes
• Biplanes etc.
Classification based on range:
• Short range (<500 km)
• Medium range (<3000km)
• Long range (>3000 km)
Classification based on mode of take-off and landing:
• Normal
• Vtol
• Stol
• STOVL etc
OTHER CLASSIFICATION

11. Special Aircraft:
• Helicopter
• Ornithopter or Flapping wing aircraft
• Flying Wing Aircraft
• Stealth Aircraft
OTHER CLASSIFICATION

12. Summary
General
Classification
Other
Classification
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