The drag coefficient () is a critical parameter in aircraft design and aerodynamics. It quantifies the drag force experienced by an aircraft at a specific flight condition and represents the ratio of the drag force to the dynamic pressure of the air.
The formula for calculating the drag coefficient () is as follows:
- is the drag coefficient (dimensionless).
- is the total drag force acting on the aircraft (in newtons or pounds-force).
- is the air density (in kilograms per cubic meter or slugs per cubic foot).
- is the true airspeed (in meters per second or feet per second).
- is the wing’s reference area (in square meters or square feet).