Monocoque

Monocoque (French for "single shell") or unibody is a construction technique that uses the external skin of an object to support some or most of the load on the structure. This is as opposed to using an internal framework (or truss) that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin. Monocoque construction was first widely used in aircraft, starting in the 1930s, and is the predominant automobile construction technology today.

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Prior to this time aircraft were built up from an internal frame, typically of wood or steel tubing, which was then covered (or skinned) with fabric to give it a smooth surface. The materials vary; some builders used sheet metal or plywood for the skin. In all of these designs the idea of load-bearing structure vs. skin remained.

French: French can refer to more than one article:...

Truss: In architecture and structural engineering, a truss is a structure consisting of straight slender members connected at joints....

Aircraft: An aircraft is any machine capable of atmospheric flight....