Monoplane
Videos
A monoplane is a fixed-wing aircraft configuration with a single mainplane, in contrast to a biplane or other types of multiplanes, which have multiple planes.
Low wing on a Supermarine Spitfire
Mid wing on a de Havilland Vampire T11
High wing on a de Havilland Canada Dash 8
Parasol wing on R.J. Mitchell's 1930 Supermarine Air Yacht
Ground effect (aerodynamics)
Videos
For fixed-wing aircraft, ground effect is the reduced aerodynamic drag that an aircraft's wings generate when they are close to a fixed surface. During takeoff, ground effect can cause the aircraft to "float" while below the recommended climb speed. The pilot can then fly just above the runway while the aircraft accelerates in ground effect until a safe climb speed is reached.
Bell X-14 showing lengthened landing gear legs to reduce suckdown
Dassault Mirage IIIV hovering over open grid
Underside view of the first prototype P.1127 showing small ventral strakes to increase fountain lift
Harrier GR9 showing the lift improvement devices, large ventral strakes and a retractable dam behind nosewheel