sailplane

• Substantif désignant un aéronef plus lourd que l'air, sans moteur ou avec moteur auxiliaire, qui se maintient en vol grâce à la réaction dynamique de l'air sur ses surfaces portantes (voilure fixe) et utilise les courants ascendants.

A noun referring to an aircraft that is supported only by the dynamic action of air against its surfaces, typically without an engine.

1. Glider aircraftB2formal

   A type of aircraft that is supported only by the dynamic action of air against its surfaces, typically without an engine.

   Planeur

   • The sailplane soared silently above the valley.
   • He spent the afternoon flying his sailplane in the mountains.
   • Sailplanes rely on thermal currents to stay aloft.

   Synonymesglider

• Verbe décrivant le vol ou le vol plané à l'aide d'un planeur (type d'aéronef sans moteur), généralement sans propulsion. Il peut aussi désigner l'action de planer ou de glisser dans les airs comme un planeur.

A verb used to describe the act of flying or gliding in a sailplane (a type of glider aircraft), typically without an engine.

1. Fly without engineC1formal

   To fly a lightweight, engineless aircraft that uses rising air currents to stay aloft.

   Pratiquer le vol à voile

   • He spent the afternoon sailplaning over the valley.
   • They learned to sailplane using only thermal currents.
   • The pilot enjoys sailplaning in the mountains.

   Synonymesglidesoar