What causes induced drag?

Induced drag is a type of aerodynamic drag that occurs as a byproduct of lift generation. When a wing generates lift, it creates a difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces. This pressure difference results in the production of vortices, primarily at the wingtips, which disturb the airflow around the wing and increase drag.

The relationship between lift and induced drag is especially significant at lower speeds and higher angles of attack, where the amount of lift being produced is greater. Therefore, as the wing generates more lift, the induced drag increases. This ties the concept of induced drag directly to the action of lift production, exemplifying how drag is not just a result of the wing's shape or surface configuration but a fundamental consequence of the aerodynamic forces acting on the wing during flight. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots as it impacts flight performance, particularly during takeoff and landing phases or in various flight conditions.