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.

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swing-wing British  

adjective

1. of or relating to a variable-geometry aircraft

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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 two Su-24 swing-wing bombers took off and banked northeast, heading for Aleppo.

From Washington Post

The Air Force is also considering a stretched version of the General Dynamics FB-111, a swing-wing bomber that can fly at twice the speed of sound and would cost approximately half as much as the B1.

From Time Magazine Archive

The MiG-23, for example, has the "swing-wing" look of the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

But swing-wing planes are difficult to build.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive