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

This bizarre "antisymmetrical" configuration, Jones contends, is superior to the familiar swing-wing design of, say, the Air Force F-l I I or the Navy F14, or the fixed-wing design of the British-French Concorde.

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

The swing-wing principle of General Dynamics' F-111 fighter-bomber and the Boeing SST design were devised by a British aircraft engineer.

From Time Magazine Archive

He also praised the Franco-British plan to build a swing-wing fighter-bomber in the 1970s.

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