drogue

A noun with multiple meanings: a funnel-shaped target towed by an aircraft; a wind indicator at airports; a sea anchor used to prevent drifting; or a parachute used to slow a fast-moving object.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: ein kegelförmiges Ziel, das von einem Flugzeug geschleppt wird; ein Windsack auf Flughäfen; ein Treibanker, der die Drift verhindert; oder ein Bremsschirm zur Verzögerung eines schnell bewegten Objekts.

1. Aerial target C1 formal technical

   A funnel-shaped device that is towed behind an airplane for use as a target during practice shooting.

   • The fighter pilots practiced their aim on a drogue towed by a drone.
   • The drogue was painted bright orange for better visibility.
   • They deployed a drogue for the missile test.

   🇩🇪Luftziel

2. Wind indicator B2 formal technical

   A truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast, used at airports to show the direction and approximate speed of the wind.

   • The pilot checked the drogue before landing to assess the wind conditions.
   • A drogue at the airfield indicated a strong crosswind.
   • The drogue fluttered wildly in the gusty wind.

   🇩🇪Windsack

   Synonyme: air sockwind conewind sleevewind sockwindsock

3. Sea anchor C1 formal technical

   A restraint consisting of a canvas-covered frame that floats behind a vessel to prevent drifting or to maintain the heading into the wind.

   • The sailors deployed a drogue to keep the boat stable during the storm.
   • Using a drogue helped the yacht maintain its position against the current.
   • The drogue was essential for the vessel's safety in heavy seas.

   🇩🇪Seeanker

4. Deceleration parachute C1 formal technical

   A parachute used to decelerate an object that is moving rapidly, such as a spacecraft or a drag racer.

   • The spacecraft deployed a drogue to slow down its descent.
   • A drogue parachute helped the dragster stop safely after the race.
   • The drogue opened automatically to reduce the vehicle's speed.

   🇩🇪Bremsschirm

   Synonyme: drogue parachute