groundspeed

or ground speed

[ ground-speed ]

noun

1. the speed of an aircraft with reference to the ground. ground.

groundspeed

/ ˈɡraʊndˌspiːd /

noun

1. the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground Compare airspeed

Word History and Origins

Origin of groundspeed¹

First recorded in 1915–20; ground ¹ + speed

Example Sentences

“The helicopter maintained a low altitude and groundspeed as it maneuvered over the ridgeline for the next few minutes,” the report says.

From Seattle Times

FAA data indicated that it was descending at a rate of 6,800 feet a minute at a groundspeed of 30 knots before it lost radar contact.

From Washington Post

Depending on the direction of the wind, that can be faster or slower than the groundspeed, the plane’s speed relative to the earth.

From Seattle Times

A330 safely after obtaining groundspeed information from air traffic control and using the jet’s radar altimeter, according to a preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

From Reuters

In this case, the input consisted of flight information, like the glider’s pitch, yaw, groundspeed, and airspeed.

From The Verge