Aviation & Aeronautics
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Induced Drag Coefficient

Drag due to lift, decreasing with higher aspect ratio and span efficiency.

Formula

CD,i=CL2πeARC_{D,i} = \dfrac{C_L^2}{\pi e AR}

Variables

C_{D,i}Induced drag coeff
C_LLift coeff
eOswald efficiency
ARAspect ratio

Example

Long, slender glider wings have high aspect ratio and therefore very low induced drag.

Did You Know?

Induced drag is the price of making lift — it's why long, slender wings are so efficient.

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