What happens to the required power in slow flight compared to endurance conditions?

What happens to the required power in slow flight compared to endurance conditions?

• A. It decreases due to lower drag
• B. It increases due to reduced lift drag ratio
• C. It remains the same as cruise conditions
• D. It is greatly affected by fuel weight

Answer: (B)

In slow flight, the required power increases due to a reduced lift-to-drag ratio. When an aircraft is flying slowly, the angle of attack typically increases to maintain lift, which can cause the drag to rise significantly compared to higher speed cruise conditions. The lift-to-drag ratio is critical in determining the efficiency of flight; a lower ratio means that more power is needed to overcome the increased drag while still maintaining the required lift for sustained flight. In endurance conditions, the goal is to optimize the lift-to-drag ratio to achieve the longest time in the air for a given amount of fuel. Under slow flight conditions, the lift-to-drag ratio is less favorable; thus, the power requirements escalate to maintain control and altitude, resulting in the increased necessary power.

In slow flight, the required power increases due to a reduced lift-to-drag ratio. When an aircraft is flying slowly, the angle of attack typically increases to maintain lift, which can cause the drag to rise significantly compared to higher speed cruise conditions. The lift-to-drag ratio is critical in determining the efficiency of flight; a lower ratio means that more power is needed to overcome the increased drag while still maintaining the required lift for sustained flight.

In endurance conditions, the goal is to optimize the lift-to-drag ratio to achieve the longest time in the air for a given amount of fuel. Under slow flight conditions, the lift-to-drag ratio is less favorable; thus, the power requirements escalate to maintain control and altitude, resulting in the increased necessary power.