In aviation, two fundamental forces govern an aircraft’s movement: thrust and drag . These forces play a critical role in determining how efficiently an aircraft moves through the air. This detailed illustration visually explains the concepts of thrust and drag in aviation. It depicts an aircraft in flight with force vectors demonstrating how thrust propels the plane forward while drag resists motion. Ideal for aerospace engineers, aviation enthusiasts, and students studying aerodynamics. What Is Thrust? Thrust is the forward force that propels an aircraft through the air. It is generated by engines, whether they are jet engines, propellers, or rockets . The primary goal of thrust is to overcome drag and enable the aircraft to accelerate and maintain flight. How Thrust Works In jet engines , thrust is produced by expelling high-speed exhaust gases in the opposite direction of motion (Newton’s Third Law). In propeller-driven aircraft , thrust is created by the spinning propellers pull...