Induced drag for steady level flight is a type of drag that arises due to the generation of lift by an aircraft’s wings. When an aircraft is flying in steady level flight, it is producing lift to counteract its weight and maintain a constant altitude. This lift is generated by creating a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings, which creates airflow over the wings.
- Di is the induced drag force.
- e is the Oswald efficiency factor.
- q∞ is the dynamic pressure of the free stream airflow.
- S is the wing area.
- W is the weight of the aircraft.
- b is the wingspan.