Which of the following 'solutions' could reduce the drag of an aircraft? (Multiple answers can be correct)

Reduce the wing surface area

Fly slower

Fly lower

Increase the number of engines

Reduce the aircraft weight

1 answer

To reduce the drag of an aircraft, the following 'solutions' could be effective:

  1. Reduce the wing surface area - This can help reduce drag under certain conditions, as smaller wings generate less lift and, consequently, less induced drag. However, this also depends on the specific design and purpose of the aircraft.

  2. Fly slower - Flying at lower speeds can reduce induced drag, especially at cruising altitudes where the aircraft is operating at or near its optimal airspeed for lift-to-drag ratio.

  3. Reduce the aircraft weight - Lighter aircraft require less lift, which can reduce induced drag. This is particularly important in maintaining an efficient flight profile.

The following options may not effectively reduce drag:

  • Fly lower - Flying at lower altitudes can actually increase drag due to higher air density and consequently higher induced drag, although it may be beneficial in other contexts.

  • Increase the number of engines - More engines generally increase the overall drag due to increased frontal area and the additional structures needed for mounting them, outweighing any benefits from potentially improved thrust-to-weight ratios.

In summary, the correct solutions for reducing drag could include reducing wing surface area, flying slower, and reducing aircraft weight.