What does indicated airspeed (IAS) represent?

Indicated airspeed (IAS) represents the speed read directly from the airspeed indicator in the cockpit of the aircraft. This value does not account for any corrections for altitude or temperature, meaning it reflects the dynamic pressure experienced by the aircraft as it moves through the air. IAS is crucial for pilots because it is directly related to the aircraft's aerodynamic performance, such as stall speed and climb rates.

The other options refer to different concepts in aviation. The true speed of an aircraft adjusted for wind relates to groundspeed, which considers the movement of the aircraft relative to the ground, including environmental factors like wind. Ground speed itself does not equate to indicated airspeed, as it is the actual speed of the aircraft over the Earth's surface. Lastly, the maximum speed under given conditions speaks more to the aircraft's performance capabilities rather than a direct measurement of speed like IAS provides.