Immelmann

[im-uh l-mahn, -muh n]

noun

a maneuver in which an airplane makes a half loop, then resumes its normal, level position by making a half roll: used to gain altitude while turning to fly in the opposite direction.

Origin of Immelmann

1915–20; after Max Immelmann (1890-1916), German aviator of World War I, who is said to have devised it

Also called Immelmann turn.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for immelmann turn

Immelmann turn

Immelmann

noun

an aircraft manoeuvre used to gain height while reversing the direction of flight. It consists of a half loop followed by a half roll

Word Origin for Immelmann turn

C20: named after Max Immelmann (1890–1916), German aviator

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012