Definition of Midships
Midships, also known as amidships, is a directional term that refers to the center of a ship or aircraft. The midships location is typically equidistant between the bow and stern (front and back) of the vessel or aircraft.
In terms of naval architecture, midships is an important concept as it helps to determine the overall balance, stability, and handling characteristics of the vessel. A vessel’s width at midships is known as its beam, and this measurement can greatly impact the ship’s performance in the water.
Midships can also be used to describe a physical area of the ship or aircraft. For example, the midships section of a ship may contain the bridge, engine room, or crew quarters. In an aircraft, the midships area may house the cockpit, avionics, or fuel tanks.