parasitic drag

mechanics

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Parasitic drag is a component of the overall drag experienced by an airplane. It specifically refers to the drag that is not induced drag, which is the drag created as a result of generating lift. This type of drag is caused by the airplane's shape (form resistance), the friction of air moving over its surfaces (skin friction), and interference between different parts of the aircraft.12

Parasitic drag increases as the airplane's airspeed increases. To minimize this type of drag, aircraft are designed with streamlined shapes, and features like cockpits are enclosed, landing gear can be retracted, and surfaces are smoothed and polished.2

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airplane
Aerodynamics
Parasitic drag is that caused by form resistance (due to shape), skin friction, interference, and all other elements that are not contributing to lift; induced drag is that created as a result of the generation of lift.
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Parasitic drag is that caused by form resistance (due to shape), skin friction, interference, and all other elements that are not contributing to lift; induced drag is that created as a result of the generation of lift.
Read More