Fixed/Rotary Wing Aircraft Drag
Summary
The data reported below are averages taken from the available literature. The
data have been worked out on average CD. The amount of each component on each
vehicles may vary of a few percent, with respect to the values reported (this holds
especially for the VSTOL aircraft !).
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 45 % |
| Lift-induced | 40 % |
| Interference | 7 % |
| Wave | 3 % |
| Other | 5 % |
Table 2: Drag levels for Supersonic Transport Aircraft
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 40 % |
| Lift-induced | 37 % |
| Interference | 2 % |
| Wave | 18 % |
| Other | 3 % |
Table 3: Drag levels for Executive Jet
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 53 % |
| Lift-induced | 20 % |
| Interference | 9 % |
| Wave | 10 % |
| Other | 8 % |
Table 4: Drag levels for Fighter Aircraft (transonic speed)
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 47 % |
| Lift-induced | 38 % |
| Interference | 2 % |
| Wave | 5 % |
| Other | 8 % |
Table 5: Drag levels for Fighter Aircraft (supersonic speed)
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 23 % |
| Lift-induced | 29 % |
| Interference | 6 % |
| Wave | 35 % |
| Other | 7 % |
Table 6: Drag levels for Helicopter (single rotor)
| component | level |
|---|---|
| skin friction | 25 % |
| Lift-induced | 25 % |
| Interference | 40 % |
| Wave | 5 % |
| Other | 5 % |
Related Material
- Drag levels of Road Vehicles
- Summary of CD (bluff and streamlined bodies)