What is induced drag caused by?

Induced drag is primarily caused by the lift generated by the wings. When an aircraft generates lift, it creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. This pressure differential results in the formation of vortices at the wingtips, where high-pressure air from below the wing spills over to the low-pressure area above the wing. These vortices create a drag force that acts opposite to the direction of flight, known as induced drag.

As the angle of attack increases, the lift also increases, leading to stronger vortices and thus more induced drag. This type of drag is more pronounced at lower speeds and higher angles of attack, which is necessary for generating the lift needed during takeoff and landing phases of flight. Therefore, understanding the relationship between lift and induced drag is crucial for pilots when managing their aircraft’s performance.