dive brake

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. a flap deployed from the wings or fuselage of an aircraft, as a dive bomber or sailplane, that increases drag to permit a relatively steep angle of descent without a dangerous buildup in speed.

dive brake

noun

1. a flap or spoiler extended from the wings of a ground-attack aircraft for controlling a dive
2. another name for air brake

Word History and Origins

Origin of dive brake¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Well, they calculated to set the dive brakes at twelve degrees at the point where Lynds was.

From Project Gutenberg

The jet fighter was coming up astern, dive brakes extended to reduce its speed.

From Project Gutenberg

I switched off the automatic controls at the point where the dive brakes were to have been engaged.

From Project Gutenberg