What type of drag is associated with rotor-tip vortices?

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Prepare for the Theory of Rotary Wing Flight Test. Sharpen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What type of drag is associated with rotor-tip vortices?

Explanation:
Induced drag is the drag produced by the lift-generating flow. When a rotor produces thrust, it leaves behind swirling tip vortices in the wake. That wake creates additional downward flow and disturbs the air around the blade, meaning the rotor must do extra work to generate the same amount of lift. The energy spent in overcoming this disturbed, swirling air appears as induced drag on the rotor. This effect is most noticeable in hover or slow flight when lift is large and forward speed is low. Parasite drag comes from non-lifting parts, and profile/form drag relate to the airfoil’s shape or surface—neither is tied to the lift-induced wake behind the rotor.

Induced drag is the drag produced by the lift-generating flow. When a rotor produces thrust, it leaves behind swirling tip vortices in the wake. That wake creates additional downward flow and disturbs the air around the blade, meaning the rotor must do extra work to generate the same amount of lift. The energy spent in overcoming this disturbed, swirling air appears as induced drag on the rotor. This effect is most noticeable in hover or slow flight when lift is large and forward speed is low. Parasite drag comes from non-lifting parts, and profile/form drag relate to the airfoil’s shape or surface—neither is tied to the lift-induced wake behind the rotor.

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