induced drag

mechanics

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Induced drag is a portion of wing drag that results from the generation of lift. When an aircraft wing moves through the air, it creates a difference in air pressure, with lower pressure on top and higher pressure on the bottom, which generates lift. This process also causes air to be deflected downward, and a rearward tilt of this deflected air contributes to induced drag.123

Drag, in general, is a retarding force that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air. It is a crucial consideration for designers of vehicles and structures that interact with fluids. While parasitic drag is caused by factors like shape and friction, induced drag is a direct consequence of lift generation. Devices like speed brakes and spoilers can be deployed to increase drag, aiding in deceleration.345

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airplane
Aerodynamics
Induced drag is caused by that element of the air deflected downward which is not vertical to the flight path but is tilted slightly rearward from it. As the angle of attack increases, so does drag; at a critical point, the angle of attack can…
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Induced drag is caused by that element of the air deflected downward which is not vertical to the flight path but is tilted slightly rearward from it. As the angle of attack increases, so does drag; at a critical point, the angle of attack can…
Read More