sideslipping

Sideslipping is a maneuver used in aviation and automotive contexts to achieve a controlled lateral displacement. In aviation, a sideslip is intentionally introduced by the pilot to maintain a specific ground track while the aircraft's longitudinal axis is not aligned with the direction of travel. This is often employed during the final approach to landing to counteract crosswinds or to steepen the descent angle without increasing airspeed. The pilot achieves a sideslip by simultaneously applying rudder in one direction and aileron in the opposite direction. This creates a yawing moment and a rolling moment that oppose each other, resulting in the aircraft moving sideways relative to the airflow.

In automotive applications, sideslipping refers to a loss of traction where the tires slide sideways relative to the direction of intended travel. This can occur at the front wheels (understeer) or rear wheels (oversteer), or all four. Understeer causes the vehicle to push wide of the desired cornering line, while oversteer causes the rear of the vehicle to lose grip and slide outwards. Driver input, such as steering, throttle, and braking, can be used to either induce or correct a sideslip. Factors contributing to automotive sideslipping include excessive speed, sudden steering inputs, slippery surfaces, and worn tires. Professional drivers may intentionally induce and control sideslips, a technique known as drifting, for performance or display purposes.