The drag component arising from the form or shape of helicopter parts is called which of the following?

The drag component arising from the form or shape of helicopter parts is called which of the following?

• A. Parasite Drag
• B. Induced Drag
• C. Profile Drag
• D. Skin Drag

Answer: (A)

Drag caused by the shape of the object is parasite drag. This is the portion of total drag that comes from how the parts are formed in the airstream—the pressure differences around the silhouette (form drag) and the friction of the air against the surface (skin friction), plus any interference where parts meet. It’s not about lift generation, so it rises with speed but is distinct from the lift-related drag. Induced drag, in contrast, comes from generating lift and decreases as speed increases, so the form or shape of helicopter parts specifically points to parasite drag.

Drag caused by the shape of the object is parasite drag. This is the portion of total drag that comes from how the parts are formed in the airstream—the pressure differences around the silhouette (form drag) and the friction of the air against the surface (skin friction), plus any interference where parts meet. It’s not about lift generation, so it rises with speed but is distinct from the lift-related drag. Induced drag, in contrast, comes from generating lift and decreases as speed increases, so the form or shape of helicopter parts specifically points to parasite drag.