What is Thrust Vectoring?

Hello. This is a shorter blog than usual. My friend irritated me with a rather uneducated argument about jet engines, especially the one to be mounted on the F-35. He hadn't any idea what he was talking about so I will create a quick explanation here to vent.

Thrust vectoring is the manipulation of the thrust from an engine to direct an aircraft or spacecraft. The gimbal of the engine can direct the thrust downwards to push the aircraft's nose down as well. On aircraft this is used in conjunction with the control surfaces. On many spacecraft the gimbal is the only means of control other than the reaction wheels. Thrust vectoring is not used on propellers. Also, thrust vectoring is not the manipulation of thrusted air after it leave the engine. This should clear up some of the misconceptions.

-Conf