What are the two main types of drag?

The distinction between the two main types of drag in aviation is crucial for understanding how an aircraft interacts with the air as it moves. Induced drag is a byproduct of lift; it increases with an increase in angle of attack and decreases as speed increases. This type of drag occurs because of the vortex formation around the wings, which creates a downward airflow that results in a resistance to forward motion.

On the other hand, parasite drag encompasses all drag forces that do not contribute to lift. It can be broken down into three components: form drag, which is due to the shape of the aircraft; skin friction, which results from the surface texture; and interference drag, which happens when different airflow patterns interact. Parasite drag increases with the square of the aircraft's speed, leading to greater resistance at faster velocities.

Understanding these two types of drag—induced and parasite—is essential for pilots and engineers when optimizing aircraft performance for safety and efficiency in various flight conditions.