vector
VEK-ter
/ˈvek.tər/
A course or heading provided by air traffic control to steer an aircraft using radar guidance; or to direct along such a course.
Specifically denotes a directional heading given as a compass degree number by a radar controller.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'vehere', meaning to carry or convey. Nineteenth-century mathematicians formalized it as a magnitude with direction, which air traffic controllers later adopted for radar headings.
Word relationships
- heading: The compass direction an aircraft points, while a vector is a controller-assigned heading instruction.
- course: The intended track over the ground, whereas a vector is the specific assigned magnetic heading.
- drift: Uncontrolled deviation from a heading due to wind.
Commonly confused with
- waypoint: A waypoint is a fixed coordinate, whereas a vector is a specific heading given by ATC.
Word family
- vectored (verb): Directed along a specific radar heading.
- vectoring (noun): The act of guiding aircraft via radar headings.
Collocations
- radar vector
- provide a vector
- vector for approach
- heading vector
Example sentences
- "The controller provided a radar vector of two-seventy degrees to guide the plane clear of severe turbulence." Radar Control
- "Approach control decided to vector the incoming aircraft around the storm cell before lining it up with the runway." Flight Guidance
Memory hook
VECTOR directs the VEHICLE direction. A controller's compass instruction.
When not to use
Avoid using to mean general destination; it refers specifically to heading and directional guidance.
Fun facts
- Radar vectoring was pioneered during World War II to guide interceptor fighters toward target aircraft.
Related words
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