Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It
Pilot Institute
JULY 11, 2025
That’s the speed your airspeed indicator shows based on ram air pressure in the pitot tube. Lift, drag, and handling correlate well with IAS in the lower atmosphere. This type of wing redirects the shockwaves further aft on the wing, reducing drag. This is partly due to the steep rise in drag nearing M cr.
52 
Let's personalize your content