Aerodynamic Drag Explained | DCS Beginner's Course

There's a part of aerodynamic drag that I don't see explained very well and it's incredibly important to understand it. That's what this video is about. Once you understand the concepts of this video and the previous one on lift you'll have fundamentals you'll need to be awesome in DCS.

If you want a written guide on this topic (and more) from an authoritative source then check out the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Free download linked below.

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

How Lift Works:

Obligatory disclaimers:

The presence of DOD Visual Information in this video does not constitute endorsement by the DOD or any of its departments. Any views expressed by the presenter are those of the presenter and do not represent the views of the DOD or any of its components.

Attributions:

Turbofan animation/ NASA Public Domain

Winglet

Winglet drawing

Wing Aspect Diagrams

High AR Glider

Second High AR Glider

Piper Cherokee

Concorde

F-14
By U.S. Navy photo - This image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 051105-F-5480T-005 (next). Public Domain

F-111

[yappydawg]

As good or better explanation than anything else I have seen in the RL flight training world. The succinctness and level of completeness is a work of art :)

[stoyantodorov]

Thank you for making these guides, they are by far the best I have come across and I have watched quite a lot.

[arnaudboucaud]

Hello again Mike. Again, very good content after the lift video, with nice examples about the winglets! Nailed it again and the drag curve is awesome and says all.
I would suggest, if you allow me, to move the ground effect explanation into the lift video, or maybe you intend to explain into more details into a landing video ? First reason is that the effect for the pilot is mostly "felt" on lift when landing or going high speed at low altitude. Second reason is because my understanding is that it is more linked to something like the airflow being pressed tight between ground and wind, so more related to lift phenomenon. I believe the ground effect is indeed something happening even with symmetrical shapes at 0 aoa. Just my 2 cent contribution to your amazing work, hopefully that helps. Can t wait for the 3rd video ! Cheers.

[awayvfx]

very interesting. were doing similar stuff in college rn. am a german 4th semester aerospace

[bemantheman]

Hey Mr. Solyom! I've recently discovered about your channel and in the description, It mentions that you write books regarding aviation concepts. Sounds like something id be intrested in. Please send me some links or names, Id love to read your books!