Total Drag
What is total drag?
Total drag is the sum of all the aerodynamic forces resisting an aircraft's motion through the air—specifically the combination of parasite drag and induced drag, which together vary with airspeed. The total drag curve forms a "bucket" shape: induced drag dominates at low speeds while parasite drag dominates at high speeds, and the lowest point of the curve is where total drag is at a minimum. Think of it as the speed where you get the most lift for the least drag—that bottom of the curve is L/D MAX (your best glide and maximum range speed).
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