What does induced drag refer to?

Induced drag refers to the undesirable byproduct of lift generated by an aircraft. When an aircraft generates lift, particularly at lower speeds or higher angles of attack, it creates vortices or swirling air patterns at the wingtips. These vortices contribute to additional drag experienced by the aircraft, resulting in induced drag. This type of drag increases with the angle of attack and is a critical consideration in aircraft design and operation, as it affects overall performance and fuel efficiency.

Understanding induced drag is essential for pilots and engineers since it influences the aircraft's performance characteristics in various flight conditions, particularly during takeoff, climb, and turns.