Low aspect ratio wings result in:

Low aspect ratio wings result in:

• A. Decrease in drag
• B. Increase in induced drag
• C. Increase in parasite drag
• D. Increase in lift efficiency

Answer: (B)

Low aspect ratio wings are characterized by a shorter wingspan relative to their chord length. This design influences various aerodynamic properties of the aircraft, most notably regarding induced drag. Induced drag is a type of drag that is a byproduct of lift generation – as lift increases, so does induced drag. With low aspect ratio wings, the airflow over the wing becomes more disturbed, resulting in a greater vortex formation at the wingtips. These vortices increase the overall induced drag due to the increased lift-induced pressure differential, leading to a higher angle of attack necessary for the same amount of lift compared to higher aspect ratio wings. Therefore, the relationship between low aspect ratio wings and the increase in induced drag is clear: As their design inherently leads to more interference effects, it ultimately results in increased energy losses and drag associated with maintaining lift.

Low aspect ratio wings are characterized by a shorter wingspan relative to their chord length. This design influences various aerodynamic properties of the aircraft, most notably regarding induced drag. Induced drag is a type of drag that is a byproduct of lift generation – as lift increases, so does induced drag.

With low aspect ratio wings, the airflow over the wing becomes more disturbed, resulting in a greater vortex formation at the wingtips. These vortices increase the overall induced drag due to the increased lift-induced pressure differential, leading to a higher angle of attack necessary for the same amount of lift compared to higher aspect ratio wings.

Therefore, the relationship between low aspect ratio wings and the increase in induced drag is clear: As their design inherently leads to more interference effects, it ultimately results in increased energy losses and drag associated with maintaining lift.