What is induced drag?

Induced drag refers to the drag that occurs as a direct result of the generation of lift. When an airplane generates lift, the airflow around the wings creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. This pressure difference leads to the formation of vortices at the wingtips, which contributes to induced drag. Essentially, induced drag increases with an increase in lift and is particularly significant at lower speeds and higher angles of attack.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots and aerospace engineers, as it plays a vital role in aircraft design and performance, especially during takeoff and landing phases when lift demands are high. Induced drag is an important consideration in optimizing fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance.