How does induced drag change with an increase in airspeed?

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Induced drag is a component of drag that occurs as a result of lift generation. It is closely related to the angle of attack and the airspeed of the aircraft. As airspeed increases, the relationship between induced drag and airspeed is not linear; rather, it follows a more complex curve.

When airspeed increases, the induced drag does not remain constant; instead, it typically decreases due to the increased lift being produced at a higher airspeed with a lower angle of attack. The logarithmic decrease reflects the diminishing returns of lift relative to induced drag as airspeed rises. Essentially, as an aircraft goes faster, it can achieve the same lift at a lower angle of attack, effectively reducing the induced drag more significantly at higher speeds.

Understanding this relationship is critical, particularly during the aircraft's climb and cruise phases when the dynamics of lift and drag significantly affect performance and fuel efficiency.

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