* Rotary-wing aircraft have wings that rotate, and they generate lift by spinning their rotors. This category of aircraft includes helicopters and tiltrotors.
* VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft can take off and land vertically, without the need for a runway. This category of aircraft includes helicopters, tiltrotors, and STOVL (short takeoff and vertical landing) aircraft.
* STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft can take off and land in a short distance, without the need for a long runway. This category of aircraft includes STOL airplanes and STOVL aircraft.
* UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are aircraft that are flown without a human pilot on board. This category of aircraft includes drones, quadcopters, and fixed-wing UAVs.