Aerodynamics
Induced drag
At a glance
Meaning of Induced drag
Drag arising from the production of lift by a finite-span wing.
More about Induced drag
Pressure differences around the wing generate trailing vortices and change the direction of the resulting aerodynamic force.
This drag component increases when greater lift is required. Wing span, shape and wingtip devices influence it; winglets can reduce associated losses but do not eliminate drag.