What means of propulsion are used in aircraft?

Targets

At the end of this Unit you should be able to answer the following questions 

2. What forces are involved in flight?

2.1 How do flying devices and living things counteract gravity?

2.2 How does air movement across a surface result in lift?

2.3 How can drag be reduced?

2.4 What means of propulsion are used in aircraft?

targets

To oppose drag, a flying aircraft must exert a force in the opposite direction.  This force is called thrust.

In addition to using lift to move up, aircraft must also have something to produce thrust to move forward.  This thrust usually is provided by some form of propulsion.  Various types of engines are used to move aircraft forward and upward.