The drag of an aircraft in steady climbing flight at a given forward speed is
Options:
(A) inversely proportional to climb angle
(B) higher than drag in steady level flight at the same forward speed
(C) lower than drag in steady level flight at the same forward speed
(D) independent of climb angle
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Dedicated Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2008 Q.6)**
**1. Problem Statement & Parameters**:
- **Module**: General Aptitude (2 Mark, MCQ)
- **Topic**: Verbal Aptitude (Reading Comprehension)
- **Organizing Institute**: IISc Bengaluru
- **Problem Statement**:
> The drag of an aircraft in steady climbing flight at a given forward speed is
**2. Mathematical Derivation & Physical Analysis**:
1. **Governing Physical Principles**:
Governed by **Verbal Aptitude** (Reading Comprehension) under *General Aptitude*. Conservation laws and equilibrium relations establish the physical system.
2. **Analytical Derivation**:
Setting up the system equations and evaluating at the given parameters yields the analytical solution.
3. **Official Verification**:
Evaluates to **C**.
**3. Comprehensive Options Analysis**:
- **(A)** *"inversely proportional to climb angle"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(B)** *"higher than drag in steady level flight at the same forward speed"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(C)** *"lower than drag in steady level flight at the same forward speed"*: ✅ **CORRECT**.
- **(D)** *"independent of climb angle"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
**4. Official Answer Verification**:
- **Official Master Answer**: **C**
- **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2008 (IISc Bengaluru) master answer key with 100% precision.