delta wing

American  

noun

1. a triangularly shaped surface that serves as both wing and horizontal stabilizer of a space vehicle and some supersonic aircraft.

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delta wing British  

noun

1. a triangular sweptback aircraft wing

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Etymology

Origin of delta wing

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Morien Morgan's contribution was vital in securing the plane's eventual swept back delta wing design, tailless fuselage and distinctive droop nose for greater visibility during take-off and landing.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2023

Some designers believe that the wide delta wing is so stable in flight that it does not need the balancing action of a horizontal tail.

From Time Magazine Archive

The delta wing sweeps back 30� for a 186-m.p.h. takeoff, folds to 42� for subsonic flight, and comes within kissing distance of the fuselage at a projectile-like 72� angle for supersonic flight.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Gloster Javelin day & night fighter was another impressive delta wing.

From Time Magazine Archive

The five ships were sleek craft with a highly swept delta wing design.

From The Runaway Asteroid by Cooper, Michael D., [pseud.]