Aerodynamics and Drag

When your drone moves through the air, it encounters aerodynamic forces, including drag and lift. The design of the drone, including its frame, propeller shape, and speed, will determine how it interacts with the air.

Types of Drag:

Parasitic Drag: Resistance caused by the drone’s shape. The more surface area exposed to airflow, the more parasitic drag. Streamlined drones experience less drag.
Induced Drag: This occurs as a byproduct of lift. The faster the drone flies, the more induced drag it experiences.

Example:

When flying at higher speeds, your drone experiences both increased drag and greater battery consumption as the motors work harder to maintain speed.