In terms of drag management, which of the following configurations would likely be more effective?

In the context of drag management, having retracted flaps and landing gear is crucial for optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. When the flaps and landing gear are retracted, the aircraft presents a more streamlined shape, reducing the surface area and disrupting airflow around the aircraft. This significantly decreases both induced drag and form drag, which are two major components of total drag during flight.

Retracted flaps minimize lift-induced drag since flaps increase the camber of the wing, enhancing lift but also adding drag when they are deployed. Landing gear, when retracted, avoids the additional drag caused by the gears creating turbulence and disturbances in the airflow over the aircraft's body.

In contrast, having extended landing gear introduces additional drag due to the exposed surfaces disrupting airflow. Similarly, while a wide body fuselage may provide benefits in space and stability, its broader cross-section can also contribute to increased drag. Fixed wing shapes, while potentially optimized in design, do not account for the active management of drag associated with moving components like flaps and landing gear.

Therefore, selecting the configuration with retracted flaps and landing gear effectively minimizes drag, enabling improved performance and fuel efficiency during flight.