It’s a common misconception that airplanes don’t have brakes. While they may not have pads and rotors like automobiles, they still have devices used to decrease their airspeed. Known as speed brakes, they play an important role in modern aviation. Most commercial airplanes, as well as many many military airplanes, have them. Here are six facts about air brakes and how they work.
#1) Also Known as Speed Brakes
Air brakes are also known as speed brakes. This is because they reduce an airplane’s airspeed when deployed. Most airplanes still have disc brakes on their landing gear wheels. When landing, pilots will engage these disc brakes to slow down more quickly. During flight, however, disc brakes won’t affect the airplane’s airspeed. Instead, pilots must rely on other means of slowing down, such as engaging the airplane’s airbrakes or speed brakes.
#2) Work By Increasing Drag and Resistance
Air brakes work by increasing drag and resistance. They typically consist of hinged surfaces affixed to the body of an airplane. When deployed, air brakes will rise into the airstream. This creates drag and resistance that helps to slow down the airplane. When not deployed, on the other hand, air brakes will sit flush with the airplane’s body to provide a more aerodynamic and streamlined shape.
#3) Not the Same as Spoilers
While they serve similar purposes, air brakes and spoilers aren’t the same. Air brakes work by increasing drag without affecting lift. Spoilers, on the other hand, work by reducing the airplane’s lift-to-drag radio. Both devices can slow down airplanes, but spoilers will affect lift, whereas air brakes only affect drag.
#4) Used in Many Scenarios
Considering that pilots can simply reduce the airplane’s thrust to slow down, you might be wondering why airplanes air brakes. Well, air brakes are used in many scenarios. They are commonly used during controlled descents, as air brakes allow pilots to maintain a safe speed when approaching runways. Air brakes are also used during shorter landings. If a runway is particularly short, pilots may use them to ensure a safe landing.
#5) Require Regular Maintenance
Like most other mechanical components, air brakes require regular maintenance. They can wear out over time. Most air brakes have hinges and actuators that, if not properly maintained, can fail.
#6) Found on the Wings or Fuselage
Some airplanes have air brakes on their wings, whereas others have them on their fuselage. During the early years of modern aviation, air brakes were found exclusively on the wings. Since then, the use of air brakes has expanded to other parts, such as the fuselage. Regardless of the location, however, all air brakes are designed to slow down airplanes by increasing drag and resistance when deployed.
