SIFT Army Aviation Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Induced drag is a type of aerodynamic drag that occurs as a result of lift generation. In helicopters, when lift is produced by the rotor blades, this lift creates vortices and a downward airflow that contributes to induced drag. As induced drag increases, it has a direct impact on the helicopter's performance, particularly its speed.

When a helicopter experiences increased induced drag, it requires more power to maintain a specific speed. This additional power usage can lead to a decrease in the helicopter's overall speed, especially during certain flight conditions like climbing or flying at low altitudes where lift demands rise. Therefore, as the helicopter works harder to overcome the induced drag, its effective speed can decrease.

This concept highlights how induced drag is inherently linked to the dynamics of lift and thrust in rotorcraft, illustrating why understanding the effects of drag is crucial for helicopter performance and efficiency.