Dive brakes ordive flaps are deployed to slow down an aircraft when in a dive. They often consist of a metal flap that is lowered against the air flow, thus creatingdrag and reducing dive speed.[1]
In the past, dive brakes were mostly used ondive bombers, which needed to dive very steeply, but without exceeding theirred line speed, in order to drop theirbombs accurately. Theairbrakes orspoilers fitted togliders often function both as landing aids, to adjust the approach angle, and to keep the aircraft's speed below its maximum permissibleindicated airspeed in a vertical dive. Most moderncombat aircraft are equipped withair brakes, which perform the same function as dive brakes.[1][2]
