alogoc wrote:How can exhausts couse drag?
I'm no aero expert, but a quick google seems to locate information that would answer that question to some extent.
1) the position of the exhaust pipes and how they affect the flow of air around them.
2) the exhaust gases and how they interact with the airflow at point of exit and the follow on effects further down the body.
Exhausts are arguably one of the most critical parts - especially this year with ramps, tunnels, coanda etc all being used in some fashion to influence the exhaust for better aero (you can include aspects of drag in here) and to provide secondary uses, such as sealing the diffuser. All of these aspects would certainly assist in reducing drag IMO.