In flight mechanics and aircraft design, the term “fuselage” refers to the central structure of an aircraft that houses the cockpit, passenger or cargo compartments, and other essential components. It is the main body of the aircraft, and its design varies depending on the type and purpose of the aircraft.
- : This represents the total zero-lift drag coefficient of the body or fuselage of the aircraft. It characterizes the inherent drag of the body component when the aircraft is at zero angle of attack (not producing lift) and is in level, unaccelerated flight. It is a dimensionless coefficient.
- : This represents the form drag coefficient of the body or fuselage. Form drag is a component of drag that results from the shape and frontal area of the body as it moves through the air. It is typically characterized by a dimensionless coefficient.
- : This represents the parasite drag coefficient of the body or fuselage. Parasite drag includes various forms of drag that are not directly related to lift production and may include skin friction drag, pressure drag, and other non-lift-related sources of resistance. It is also expressed as a dimensionless coefficient.
- : This represents the interference drag coefficient of the body or fuselage. Interference drag accounts for any additional drag caused by the interaction between the body and other components of the aircraft, such as the wing. Like the other terms, it is expressed as a dimensionless coefficient.