In flight mechanics, the drag force acting on an aircraft in the horizontal direction is a force that opposes the aircraft’s forward motion through the air. This force is caused by various factors, including air resistance due to the aircraft’s shape, air viscosity, and other aerodynamic effects. The drag force is a key parameter in understanding an aircraft’s performance, efficiency, and fuel consumption.
- represents the drag force acting on the aircraft in the horizontal direction.
- is the coefficient of drag, which characterizes the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft.
- Cl is the coefficient of lift respect to the angle of attack.
- represents the dynamic pressure of the air.
- is the reference area, often the wing area.
- (mu0) represents the inverse of the aircraft’s initial mass.