an abrupt climbing turn made by an airplane, in which the plane's momentum is used to achieve a higher than normal rate of climb, without stalling the aircraft.

to perform a chandelle, as of an airplane.

Flying a plane in a large climbing spiral, staying at a fast speed. It is a good way to drag slower enemy planes up higher without venturing too far away from your present location.

a flight maneuver consisting of a steep climbing turn executed to gain altitude while changing direction

climb suddenly and steeply; "The airplane chandelled"

a Max performance climbing turn

a stylized climbing turn

The chandelle is an aerial maneuver, used to turn as sharply as possible. It was perfected by French aviators during World War I, who described it as monter en chandelle, "to climb around a candle." After attaining maximum practical speed at full throttle, the aircraft is rolled into a steep bank.