Envelope (aerospace)

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For other meanings, see envelope (disambiguation).

In aerospace, an envelope is the limits within which an aircraft can operate. Specifically, the range of altitudes is represented by the vertical height of the envelope and the range of speeds is represented by the horizontal width of the envelope.

[edit] Pushing the envelope

This phrase is used to refer to an aircraft being taken to, and perhaps beyond, its designated altitude and speed limits. By extension, this phrase may be used to mean testing other limits, either within aerospace or in other fields. Sometimes referred to as "Pushing out the envelope"