What is the impact of increasing drag on an aircraft's performance?

Increasing drag on an aircraft negatively impacts fuel efficiency. When drag increases, the aircraft experiences greater resistance against its motion through the air. To maintain a constant airspeed, the engines must work harder to overcome this added drag, which results in higher fuel consumption. This increased engine workload means that the aircraft uses fuel at a faster rate than it would under conditions of lower drag. Consequently, this effect can lead to a decrease in operational efficiency and increase operational costs due to the need for more frequent refueling.

In the context of aircraft performance, fuel efficiency is critical, as it influences range and operational economics. Therefore, understanding the relationship between drag and fuel consumption is essential for aviation maintenance and operational planning.