What creates induced drag during flight?

Induced drag is a result of the lift generated by an aircraft's wings. As an aircraft generates lift, there is a difference in air pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. This pressure differential causes the air to flow from the high-pressure area (below the wings) to the low-pressure area (above the wings) around the wingtips, creating a swirling vortex of air. This vortex not only contributes to the generation of lift but also results in induced drag, which is an aerodynamic force that opposes the forward motion of the aircraft.

As the aircraft encounters these vortices, they create a downward component of airflow, which must be countered by the pilot's control inputs. The greater the lift produced (for example, during takeoff or when climbing), the stronger the induced drag becomes. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced at lower speeds, where a higher angle of attack is required to maintain lift, thus increasing the generated vortices.

Overall, the key to understanding induced drag lies in the relationship between lift and the vortices created by this process.