Induced drag increases with what aerodynamic parameter?

Induced drag increases with what aerodynamic parameter?

• A. Angle of attack
• B. Turn rate
• C. Engine power
• D. Fuel flow

Answer: (A)

Induced drag comes from producing lift. As you increase the angle of attack, the wing must generate more lift, so the lift coefficient (Cl) rises. Induced drag is proportional to the square of that lift coefficient (CDi ∝ Cl^2), and as Cl grows, the downwash and wingtip vortices become stronger, wasting more energy as drag. So, higher angles of attack mean more induced drag. This effect is especially noticeable at slower speeds, where AoA is naturally higher to sustain flight. Turn rate, engine power, and fuel flow aren’t the direct drivers of induced drag; the key aerodynamic factor is angle of attack because it dictates how much lift the wing must produce.

Induced drag comes from producing lift. As you increase the angle of attack, the wing must generate more lift, so the lift coefficient (Cl) rises. Induced drag is proportional to the square of that lift coefficient (CDi ∝ Cl^2), and as Cl grows, the downwash and wingtip vortices become stronger, wasting more energy as drag. So, higher angles of attack mean more induced drag. This effect is especially noticeable at slower speeds, where AoA is naturally higher to sustain flight. Turn rate, engine power, and fuel flow aren’t the direct drivers of induced drag; the key aerodynamic factor is angle of attack because it dictates how much lift the wing must produce.