Induced drag is generated by the airflow circulation around the rotor blade as it creates ______.

Induced drag is generated by the airflow circulation around the rotor blade as it creates ______.

• A. Lift
• B. Weight
• C. Thrust
• D. Drag

Answer: (A)

Induced drag comes from the very act of producing lift. To generate lift, the rotor blade creates circulation around itself and deflects air downward, forming trailing vortices. That downwash and swirl require energy, which shows up as a drag component aligned opposite the flight direction. Since this drag arises specifically from lifting action, it isn’t about weight, thrust, or generic drag alone—the link is between creating lift and the induced energy lost as air is redirected. In hover, where lift must support weight, induced drag is especially prominent due to the strong downward air movement required to sustain lift.

Induced drag comes from the very act of producing lift. To generate lift, the rotor blade creates circulation around itself and deflects air downward, forming trailing vortices. That downwash and swirl require energy, which shows up as a drag component aligned opposite the flight direction. Since this drag arises specifically from lifting action, it isn’t about weight, thrust, or generic drag alone—the link is between creating lift and the induced energy lost as air is redirected. In hover, where lift must support weight, induced drag is especially prominent due to the strong downward air movement required to sustain lift.