What is ground effect and how is it generated
Ground effect, in aviation, refers to the phenomenon in which an aircraft experiences an increase in lift and a decrease in drag while flying close to the Earth’s surface, generally at an altitude lower than half its wingspan. This is primarily due to the interaction of airflow between the aircraft’s wing and the ground.
When an aircraft flies close to the ground, the air flowing beneath the wing compresses, increasing pressure and creating a “cushion” of air between the wing and the ground. This air cushion reduces aerodynamic drag and increases lift, allowing the aircraft to fly more efficiently with less power or speed.