swing-wing

American  

[swing-wing] / ˈswɪŋˌwɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of an airplane) having wings whose horizontal angle to the fuselage centerline can be adjusted fore and aft to optimize aerodynamic performance at widely differing speeds.

---

swing-wing British  

adjective

1. of or relating to a variable-geometry aircraft

---

noun

1. 1. such an aircraft

   2. either wing of such an aircraft

Etymology

Origin of swing-wing

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The Russians also showed off a new swing-wing fighter, similar in design to the controversial U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Russians, who have been experimenting with a swing-wing plane of their own, would learn a great deal if they could retrieve parts of the F-111.

From Time Magazine Archive

Similarly, General Dynamics plans no cutbacks in its 70,000-man labor force during 1970 �unless the Air Force cancels plans to buy 40 more of the controversial F-111 swing-wing fighter-bombers.

From Time Magazine Archive

Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird announced that the Soviets "have a new swing-wing bomber under development" with "intercontinental range capability."

From Time Magazine Archive

The U.S. would phase out all of its B-52s and B-58s while building enough FB-111s, the strategic fighter-bomber version of the swing-wing F-111, to match the Soviet TU-95s in numbers.

From Time Magazine Archive