What is defined as 'maximum drag speed'?

Maximum drag speed is defined as the speed at which the drag on the aircraft is at its highest. At this point, the aircraft experiences the greatest aerodynamic resistance due to its shape and configuration, which significantly affects its performance.

When an aircraft is flying, it encounters various forces, and drag is one of the primary opposing forces to thrust. As speed increases, drag also tends to increase, and at some point, this increase can become pronounced, leading to a significant impact on performance. Understanding this concept is critical for pilots and engineers as it informs decisions about flight profiles, fuel efficiency, and safety margins.

This definition directly ties to performance characteristics of an aircraft, including how pilots may need to manage airspeed especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, and in adverse weather conditions. Recognizing where maximum drag speed occurs can help operational planning and fuel usage.