When most people think of spoilers, they envision the wing-like appendages on the back of cars. Many cars, particularly sports cars, feature a spoiler. By incorporating this aerodynamic appendage into their design, they benefit from improved braking at high speeds and even greater fuel efficiency. But spoilers aren’t limited to cars. You can find them on many airplanes as well.
What Are Spoilers on an Airplane?
Spoilers on airplanes are surfaces that disrupt the flow of air over the wings. Also known as lift dumpers, they live up to their namesake by intentionally reducing the amount of lift generated by the wings. Wings, of course, are responsible for generating lift. As air flows under and over an airplane’s wings, they will generate lift. Spoilers are adjustable surfaces on an airplane’s wings that, when extended, will reduce the amount of lift generated by the wings.
How Spoilers Work on an Airplane
Pilots can extend the airplane’s spoilers to intentionally reduce lift. Being that airplanes need lift to stay in the air, you might be wondering why pilots would even want to use spoilers.
Pilots may use the spoilers when preparing to land. If they approach the runway too fast, they may overshoot the landing. To slow down, pilots can use the spoilers. They can extend the airplane’s spoilers from the cockpit so that the wings generate less lift. With less lift, the airplane will slow down as it loses altitude.
When an airplane is flying, the wings generate lift by creating a difference in pressure. The air above the wing is low pressure, and the below the wing is high pressure. The difference in pressure between these two areas allows for lift.
Types of Airplane Spoilers
Not all airplane spoilers are the same. There are several different types of spoilers found on airplanes. Ground spoilers are used when an airplane touches down on the runway after landing. They are designed to increase drag and reduce the airplane’s speed upon touching down.
Flight spoilers are traditional spoilers that reduce lift during flight. They are often used in conjunction with other control surfaces on the wings, including flaps or ailerons.
Speed brakes are another common type of airplane spoiler. Speed brakes are used specifically to reduce the speed of an airplane. Pilots may extend them when preparing to land or when needing to descend to a lower altitude.
