A structural panel that extends into the slipstream to rapidly slow an aircraft down without significantly altering its lift or pitch attitude. Unlike spoilers which are mounted on the wings to destroy lift, airbrakes are often mounted on the fuselage or tail section. They allow pilots to execute steep descents without overspeeding the airframe.
Heard on the job
Pop the airbrake, we're coming in way too hot for the descent profile.
Also heard as
- speedbrake