Do Planes Have Air Brakes? Understanding Speed Brakes and Spoilers
When it comes to aircraft, the role of air brakes or speed brakes is often misunderstood. Yes, planes do have air brakes, also known as speed brakes. Let's delve into understanding these devices, their types, and their importance in various stages of flight.
Types of Air Brakes
Speed Brakes
Speed brakes are panels that extend outward from the fuselage or wings to increase drag. Also known as speed brakes, they are specifically designed to help pilots slow down the aircraft. These devices can be deployed during flight to manage speed, making them particularly useful during descent and landing.
Spoilers
Spoilers, on the other hand, are usually found on the wings and can be raised to disrupt airflow, reducing lift and increasing drag. They are commonly used during landing to help the aircraft decelerate and to improve wheel contact with the runway. Spoilers are also used to increase the runway braking effectiveness, thus enhancing the stopping capability of the aircraft.
Purpose of Air Brakes
Control Speed
One of the primary purposes of air brakes is to help pilots manage speed during critical phases of flight. This is particularly important during the approach and landing phases, where precise control of the aircraft's speed is crucial. By deploying speed brakes, pilots can reduce the aircraft's speed to a safe and controlled level.
Descent Rate
Additionally, these devices can assist in achieving a steeper descent without increasing the speed of the aircraft. This is particularly useful in crowded airspace where pilots need to adjust their descent rate to safely maneuver the aircraft.
Differentiation Among Aircraft
Not all planes are equipped with the same type of air brakes. Some aircraft use speed brakes, while others rely on spoilers. For instance, the F-15, Su-27, and F-16 commonly use speed brakes. On the other hand, the F-22 and F-35 do not use air brakes, but instead use various combinations of other control surfaces to achieve similar effects. The panel behind the cockpit on the F-35B is often mistaken as an air brake, but it is in fact the cover for the vertical lift fan.
Other Aircraft with Unique Systems
The Fokker F-27
The Fokker F-27 had a pneumatic system in place of the usual hydraulic system for its air brakes. According to a friend who flew the F-27, it was important to avoid getting any pneumatic fluid on oneself due to its potentially hazardous nature.
The Boeing 727
The Boeing 727 had an emergency brake system powered by nitrogen. Using this system required purging the air in the system before the plane could even taxi again. While I never personally experienced it, during one taxi out, the captain's feet went to the floor as he tried to stop. He started to reach for a valve, and I shouted to switch on the air pumps. It turned out that the pump he was supposed to pull was still in its circuit breaker position. We proceeded to taxi out normally, avoiding an embarrassing situation.