Distort way fighter appears (8)

I believe the answer is:

warplane

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'fighter appears' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'distort way' is the wordplay.
'distort' becomes 'warp' (synonyms).
'way' becomes 'lane' (lane is a kind of way).
'warp'+'lane'='WARPLANE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for warplane that I've seen before include "Spitfire, for example" , "Lancaster, perhaps" , "Aircraft for use in battle" , "Military aircraft" , "Fighter or bomber" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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