Modern Dictionary of Aeronautical Engineering : Comprehensive and Illustrated Encyclopaedic Dictionary

From the Preface: "Aeronautical Engineering is the branch of engineering that concerns aircraft, spacecraft and related topics. Aerospace Engineering was originally known as aeronautical engineering and dealt solely with aircraft.

Aeronautical engineers design, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft and missiles and supervise the production of these products. Those who work with aircraft are called aeronautical engineers, and those working specifically with spacecraft are astronautical engineers. Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods. They also may specialize in a particular type of aerospace product, such as commercial aircraft, military fighter jets, helicopters, spacecraft, or missiles and rockets, and may become experts in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, propulsion, acoustics or guidance and control systems.

This dictionary is an essential tool for people who must read and understand technical content regarding the aerospace industry and specific aircraft. An ideal reference for engineering and physics students. Terms used in the dictionary reflect the diverse and international nature of the aerospace industry."