How does the drag curve on a jet aircraft differ from that of other aircraft?

The drag curve of a jet aircraft is characterized as being flatter when compared to that of other aircraft, primarily because of reduced induced drag. Induced drag is a byproduct of lift; as speed increases, the lift-to-drag ratio typically improves. Jet aircraft, operating at higher speeds and altitudes, achieve this more efficiently than slower aircraft. Consequently, the design parameters of jets allow them to maintain lift with lower induced drag at cruise speeds.

In contrast, other aircraft, especially those that are heavier and operate at lower airspeeds, tend to experience a steeper drag curve due to a higher proportion of induced drag relative to lift, particularly as they approach their stall speeds. As a result, the flatter drag curve of jet aircraft indicates that they can operate over a wider range of speeds while experiencing less drag, thus being more fuel-efficient at typical cruising altitudes and speeds.