Description

Thrust is the force needed to overcome the resistance of air (drag) to the passage of an aircraft. To maintain level flight at constant speed, constant thrust is required; to climb or descend the aircraft whilst maintaining constant speed, the thrust must be increased or decreased; to increase or reduce the speed of the aircraft whilst maintaining level flight, the thrust must be increased or decreased.

In an aircraft, the thrust is generated in different ways according to the type of propulsion: