What impact does increased mass have on an aircraft's performance?

Increased mass in an aircraft directly influences its performance characteristics, particularly in terms of lift, drag, and fuel consumption. When an aircraft's mass is increased, it requires more lift to maintain level flight. This need for additional lift translates to the aircraft having to generate more aerodynamic force.

To generate the required lift at the same airspeed, the aircraft will either need to increase its angle of attack or flying speed. However, increasing the angle of attack too much can lead to increased drag, which arises from the flow of air over the wings being disrupted. This increase in drag subsequently contributes to a greater fuel consumption, as the engines must work harder to maintain the necessary thrust to overcome both the increased drag and ensure that the aircraft remains in the air.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the interconnected nature of mass, lift, drag, and fuel consumption in flight dynamics, showcasing that with increased mass, the aircraft must cope with greater aerodynamic challenges.