Spoiler

Spoilers are hinged panels on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that, when raised, disrupt the airflow and reduce lift while increasing drag. They serve multiple functions throughout the flight.

• Ground spoilers: Deploy automatically on touchdown to dump lift and improve braking
• Flight spoilers / speed brakes: Used in-flight to increase descent rate without increasing speed
• Roll spoilers: Deploy asymmetrically to assist ailerons in roll control
• Ground spoilers increase wheel brake effectiveness by putting more weight on the wheels
• Must arm spoilers before landing — failure to arm can result in a long landing roll