What is a nacelle?

• A. A wingtip device.
• B. An instrument panel.
• C. The fuselage section housing fuel tanks.
• D. A streamlined enclosure mounting an engine on an aircraft; on multiengine propeller-driven airplanes, the nacelle is normally mounted on the leading edge of the wing.

Answer: (D)

A nacelle is a streamlined enclosure that mounts and houses an engine on an aircraft. It serves to minimize drag around the engine and provides the structural attachment for the engine to the airframe, often housing the cowling, cooling intakes, exhaust, and related components. On multiengine propeller-driven airplanes, these nacelles are normally mounted on the leading edge of the wing, placing the engines where they balance well aerodynamically and contribute to stable flight. This distinguishes it from a wingtip device, which is a separate feature designed for lift and efficiency; from an instrument panel, which is inside the cockpit; and from a fuselage section housing fuel tanks, which is not an engine housing.