An aircraft is a vehicle that is capable of flight by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or, in some cases, direct downward thrust from its engines. The human activity that surrounds aircraft is called aviation, and the science of aviation, including designing and building aircraft, is called aeronautics. Crewed aircraft are flown by an onboard pilot, whereas unmanned aerial vehicles may be remotely controlled or self-controlled by onboard computers. Aircraft may be classified by different criteria, such as lift type, aircraft propulsion, usage, and others.
Aircraft can include airplanes, balloons, gliders, and helicopters. Airplanes, for example, are vehicles with wings and one or more engines capable of moving through the air. They can be used for various purposes, such as cargo transportation, military operations, and air travel. Military planes, for instance, are used for wartime purposes, including attack or defense missions, and can be designed as bombers or fighter planes.
In summary, an aircraft is a vehicle designed for flight, and it encompasses a wide range of vehicles used for various purposes, including transportation, travel, and military operations.
