FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot is preparing for a sUAS flight in an area known for high winds. To ensure stable flight and maximize endurance, the pilot considers the aerodynamic forces acting on the sUAS. Which type of drag is primarily affected by the sUAS's shape and frontal area, and increases significantly with airspeed?
- AParasite drag
- BInduced drag
- CForm drag
- DWave drag
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Parasite drag
Parasite drag is composed of form drag and skin friction drag. Form drag is directly related to the shape and frontal area of the sUAS and increases significantly with airspeed, as the air resistance becomes greater.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Induced drag is a byproduct of lift generation and decreases with airspeed, not increases significantly with it.
- C. Form drag is a component of parasite drag, but parasite drag is the broader term encompassing all non-lift related drag that increases with airspeed and frontal area.
- D. Wave drag occurs at transonic and supersonic speeds, which are not relevant for typical sUAS operations.
Parasite Drag
Aerodynamic drag that does not contribute to the production of lift. It includes form drag (due to the shape of the object) and skin friction drag (due to the roughness of the object's surface).
- Increases with airspeed and frontal area.
- Does not contribute to lift.
- To minimize, sUAS should have a streamlined shape.
Memory trick: Parasite drag is a shape-shifter, slowing you faster.