Experimental aircraft

An Experimental aircraft is a special plane used to test new aerospace ideas and technologies. These planes help engineers and scientists try out new ways to make flying better.

The term research aircraft or testbed aircraft, means a plane changed to do science work, like studying weather or the Earth. These planes help us learn more about our world, like a research vessel.

The words "experimental aircraft" also have a special meaning in rules in Australia, the United States, and some other places. They usually talk about planes flown with an experimental certificate. In the United States, this group also includes most homebuilt aircraft. Many of these planes look like normal designs but have some special rules for how they can be used.