Vocabulary list for AirForces (May 2024) a Magazine about Fighter Aviation

envisage: form a mental picture of (something not yet existing or known).

flank: the right or left side of a body of people such as an army, a naval force, or a soccer team.

deter: to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting.

integrate: combine (one thing) with another so that they become a whole.

frigate: a warship.

corvette: a small warship designed for convoy escort duty.

surveillance: close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.

silhouette: the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light.

stunning: extremely impressive or attractive.

artillery: large-caliber guns used in warfare on land.

adversary: an enemy or someone who opposes someone else.

sortie: an attack made by troops coming out from a position of defense.

replenishment: restoration of a stock or supply to a former level or condition.

winch: a hauling or lifting device consisting of a rope, cable, or chain winding around a horizontal rotating drum, turned by a crank or by motor or other power source; a windlass.

embark: go on board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.

rendezvous: a meeting at an agreed time and place, typically between two people.

comprise: consist of; be made up of.

demonstrate: give a practical exhibition and explanation of (how a machine, skill, or craft works or is performed).

initial: existing or occurring at the beginning.

initiate: to start

serial: consisting of, forming part of, or taking place in a series.

bolster: support, strengthen

livery: uniform, dress, costume

inaugural: marking the beginning of an institution, activity, or period of office.

extensive: of great extent; wide, broad.

subsequently: after a particular thing has happened; afterward.

batch: a quantity or consignment of goods produced at one time.

avionics: the electronic systems used on aircraft.

incrementally: in regular increases, additions, or stages

payload: the amount of explosive that a missile carries, or the equipment carried in a spacecraft.

modularity: the quality of consisting of separate parts that, when combined, form a complete whole.

redundant: more than what is usual or necessary.

ballistic: (of a weapon, etc.) moving and falling to earth or onto its target using the force of gravity only.

munition: military weapons such as guns and bombs, or an example of this type of weapon.

fuselage: the main body of an aircraft.

hardpoint: an attachment location on a structural frame designed to transfer force and carry an external or internal load. 

tactical: relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end.

ramp: a slope or inclined plane for joining two different levels, as at the entrance or between floors of a building.

undergo: experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant, painful, or arduous).

intercept: obstruct (someone or something) so as to prevent them from continuing to a destination.

interoperability: the ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information.

predominant: having superior strength, influence, or authority.

intent: intention or purpose.

intense: of extreme force, degree, or strength.

variant: a form or version of something that differs in some respect from other forms of the same thing or from a standard.

quill: any of the main wing or tail feathers of a bird.

clutch: grasp or seize (something) tightly or eagerly.

squadron: a unit of military organization.

implement: a tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment, especially as used for a particular purpose.

venerable: accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

redesignate: give (someone or something) a different official name, description, or title.

vigorously: in a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy; strenuously.

hiatus: a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

interim: in the meanwhile.

mishap: an unfortunate accident.

write off: dismiss someone or something as insignificant.

tow: (of a motor vehicle or boat) pull (another vehicle or boat) along with a rope, chain, or tow bar; drag; pull.

mascot: a person or thing that is supposed to bring good luck or that is used to symbolize a particular event or organization.

intend: have (a course of action) as one’s purpose or objective; plan.

validate: check or prove the validity or accuracy of (something).

lethal: sufficient to cause death.

amass: gather together or accumulate (a large amount or number of valuable material or things) over a period of time.

conversion: the process of changing or causing something to change from one form to another.

ballistic: relating to projectiles or their flight.

modify: make partial or minor changes to (something), typically so as to improve it or to make it less extreme.

genesis: the origin or mode of formation of something.

utility: the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial rather than attractive.

paratrooper: special forces units that are parachute-trained, as well as non-airborne forces units.

humanitarian: concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.

reconnaissance: military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features.

photogrammetry: the art and science of extracting 3D information from photographs.

falcon: a bird of prey with long pointed wings and a notched beak, typically catching prey by diving on it from above.

video footage: a length of film made for movies or television.

embargo: an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

insignia: a sign or mark distinguishing a group, grade, rank, or function.

mirage: optical illusion.

drone: an uncrewed aircraft or vessel guided by remote control or onboard computers.

contigent: a group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group.

dedication: the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.

evacuation: the act of moving people from a dangerous place to somewhere safe.

replenishment: restoration of a stock or supply to a former level or condition.

tiltrotor: an aircraft that has rotors at the end of each wing which can be oriented vertically for vertical takeoffs and landings, horizontally for forward flight, or to any position in between.

stealth: a cautious, unobtrusive, and secretive way of moving or proceeding intended to avoid detection.

backlog: an accumulation of something, especially uncompleted work or matters that need to be dealt with.

austere: severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance.

prospective: relating to or effective in the future.

turbulence: violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or of some other fluid.

protract: prolong, extend.

attrition: weakening, the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.

weaponry: weapons regarded collectively.

loiter: stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose.

derive: obtain something from (a specified source).

artillery: ranged weapons that launch munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms.

cue: a thing said or done that serves as a signal to an actor or other performer to enter or to begin their speech or performance.

munition: military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores.

decoy: lure or entice (a person or animal) away from an intended course, typically into a trap.

emit: produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).

predetermine: establish or decide in advance.

kinetic: relating to or resulting from motion.

penetrate: succeed in forcing a way into or through (a thing).

onward: in a continuing forward direction; ahead.

unleash: release from a leash or restraint.

chassis: the load-bearing framework of a manufactured object, which structurally supports the object in its construction and function.

warhead: the explosive head of a missile, torpedo, or similar weapon.

howitzer: an artillery weapon that falls between a cannon (or field gun) and a mortar.

indigenous: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.

escort: a person, vehicle, or group accompanying another for protection or as a mark of rank.

covet: yearn to possess or have (something).

piston: a short, solid piece of metal that moves up and down inside a cylinder in an engine to press.

evade: escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.

chaff: husk; the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing.

espionage: the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.

ordnance: mounted guns; artillery.

choreography: the art of making dances, the gathering and organization of movement into order and pattern.

divergent: tending to be different or develop in different directions.

emission: the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

lapse: a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.

disdain: the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect; contempt.

thwart: prevent (someone) from accomplishing something.

inertia: a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.

calibre: the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability.

pivotal: central; critically important or crucial.

nosecone: the conically shaped forwardmost section of a rocket, guided missile or aircraft, designed to modulate oncoming airflow behaviors and minimize aerodynamic drag.

envisage: predict, forsee; contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future event.

circumvent: find a way around (an obstacle).

verge: an edge or border.

transponder: a device for receiving a radio signal and automatically transmitting a different signal.

coalition: an alliance for combined action, especially a temporary alliance of political parties forming a government or of states.

solidarity: union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.

mandate: authority; an official order or commission to do something.

convoluted: (especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.

escalate: increase rapidly.

tempo: the rate or speed of motion or activity; pace.

deter: to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting.

rendezvous: a meeting at an agreed time and place, typically between two people.

ravage: cause severe and extensive damage to.

dedicate: devote (time, effort, or oneself) to a particular task or purpose.

imperative: of vital importance; crucial.

stance: the way in which someone stands, especially when deliberately adopted (as in baseball, golf, and other sports); a person’s posture.

interrogate: ask questions of (someone, especially a suspect or a prisoner) closely, aggressively, or formally.

utilise: make practical and effective use of.

revamp: give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to.

hippy: (of a woman) having large hips.

compartment: a separate section of a structure or container in which certain items can be kept separate from others.

cryptology: the study of codes, or the art of writing and solving them.

proliferation: rapid increase in numbers.

cessation: a ceasing or stopping; discontinuance; pause.

antagonist: a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.

scrutinise: examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.

instigate: bring about or initiate (an action or event).

cockpit: a compartment for the pilot, and sometimes also the crew, in an aircraft or spacecraft.

deem: regard or consider in a specified way.

vicinity: the area near or surrounding a particular place.

streamline: design or provide with a form that presents very little resistance to a flow of air or water, increasing speed and ease of movement.

fiscal: relating to government revenue, especially taxes.

nonagenarian: a person who is from 90 to 99 years old.

laxity: lack of strictness or care.

methodology: a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

amend: make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.

circumnavigate: sail or travel all the way around (something, especially the world).

scrutinize: examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.

transit: the carrying of people, goods, or materials from one place to another.

incursion: a hostile entrance into a territory.

skirmish: an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting, especially between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets.

inaugurate: to put something into use or action, or to put a person into an official position with a ceremony.

decommission: to officially stop using (a ship, weapon, dam, etc.)

aeronautics: the science or practice of travel through the air.

flank: the side of a person’s or animal’s body between the ribs and the hip.

coup: a sudden, violent, and unlawful seizure of power from a government.

hangar: shelter.

beckon: make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow.

redact: edit (text) for publication.

strafe: attack repeatedly with bombs or machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft.

revolver: a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading.

agile: able to move quickly and easily.

canibalize: use (a machine) as a source of spare parts for another, similar machine.

reminiscent: tending to remind one of something.

intervene: come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.

avalanche: a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a mountainside or over a precipice.

bandit: a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area.

prowess: skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.

versatile: able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.

avionics: the development and production of electronic instruments for use in aviation and astronautics.

adverse: preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable.

agility: ability to move quickly and easily.

venerable: accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

indelible: venerable: accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

menancing: suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.

cadet: a young trainee in the armed services or police force.

hitch: move (something) into a different position with a jerk.

cork: a buoyant light brown substance obtained from the outer layer of the bark of the cork oak.

exotic: originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country.

attrition: a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength.

pylon: a structure on the wing of an aircraft used for supporting an engine or carrying a weapon, fuel tank, or other load.

unveil: remove a veil or covering from, in particular uncover (a new monument or work of art) as part of a public ceremony.

aerodrome: a small airport or airfield.

brigade: a large body of troops.

terrain: a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features.

circa: (often preceding a date) approximately.

exploit: make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource).

expedite: make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.

jettison: throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship.

detonate: explode or cause to explode.

prodigious: remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

battalion: a large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit forming part of a brigade.

brevity: in almost everything, a virtue.

withhold: refuse to give (something that is due to or is desired by another).

intense: of extreme force, degree, or strength.

undercarriage: a wheeled structure beneath an aircraft, typically retracted when not in use, that receives the impact on landing and supports the aircraft on the ground.

occupant: a person who resides or is present in a house, vehicle, seat, place, etc., at a given time.

retract: draw back.

calibre: the internal diameter or bore of a gun barrel.

canopy: an ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over something, especially a throne or bed.

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