Drag is the aerodynamic force that opposes an aircraft’s forward movement through the air. It acts opposite to the direction of flight and must be overcome by thrust from the engine.

Main types of drag

• Parasite drag: Caused by the aircraft’s shape and surface friction as it moves through the air. It increases as airspeed increases.
• Induced drag: Created by the production of lift, especially when the aircraft is flying slowly or carrying a heavy load. It decreases as airspeed increases.
• Profile drag: Produced by airflow over components such as the wings, fuselage, and landing gear.
• Interference drag: Occurs where different aircraft parts meet, such as the wing and fuselage.

In simple terms, an aircraft needs enough thrust to overcome drag and enough lift to overcome weight. Understanding drag is important in Navigation and Technical General because it affects aircraft performance, fuel consumption, climb, and landing.

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