What is the aerodynamic benefit of landing gear doors?

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Multiple Choice

What is the aerodynamic benefit of landing gear doors?

Explanation:
Closing the landing gear doors streamlines the airflow by hiding the gear and forming a smooth surface where the gear bay sits. This reduces parasitic (form) drag around the bay, which lowers overall drag and improves fuel efficiency during cruise. Lift is not generated by the doors themselves—they don’t increase lift. If the doors were open or left ajar, turbulent flow would increase drag and fuel burn. The function of locking the gear retracted is a mechanical safety requirement, not the aerodynamic benefit described here.

Closing the landing gear doors streamlines the airflow by hiding the gear and forming a smooth surface where the gear bay sits. This reduces parasitic (form) drag around the bay, which lowers overall drag and improves fuel efficiency during cruise. Lift is not generated by the doors themselves—they don’t increase lift. If the doors were open or left ajar, turbulent flow would increase drag and fuel burn. The function of locking the gear retracted is a mechanical safety requirement, not the aerodynamic benefit described here.

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