noun
- aircraft designed to glide without an engine, typically launched by being towed aloft or catapulted
Usage: aviation; plural of sailplane
Examples
- The sailplanes circled gracefully in the thermal updrafts.
- Several sailplanes were lined up on the airfield waiting for launch.
- Pilots use sailplanes to compete in soaring competitions.
- The club owns three sailplanes for training new members.
- Modern sailplanes can stay aloft for hours without power.
- She watched the sailplanes being towed into the sky by small aircraft.