What is induced drag?

Induced drag is specifically related to the generation of lift in airfoils, such as those found on an aircraft's wings. When a wing generates lift, it creates a difference in air pressure above and below the wing, which in turn results in the generation of vortexes at the wingtips. These vortexes lead to additional downwash in the airflow, influencing the overall aerodynamic performance of the aircraft.

As lift increases, induced drag also increases because it is directly proportional to the angle of attack and the amount of lift produced. Essentially, induced drag is an unavoidable consequence of the lift forces at play, especially evident during lower speeds and higher angles of attack.

This concept differentiates induced drag from other types of drag, such as profile drag, which is influenced by the shape of the aircraft, or parasitic drag, which is associated with surface friction and other aerodynamic factors at high speeds. Therefore, understanding that induced drag is a byproduct of the lift generation process is key to grasping aerodynamics in the context of flight behavior and efficiency.