What role do spoilers play on an aircraft?

Spoilers are critical control surfaces on an aircraft that primarily function to reduce lift and increase drag. When deployed, spoilers disrupt the smooth airflow over the wing, which effectively reduces the amount of lift generated by the wing. This is particularly useful during descent and landing phases, as reducing lift helps the aircraft to descend more rapidly and aids in controlling the descent rate.

In addition to reducing lift, the deployment of spoilers also increases drag. This added drag serves to slow down the aircraft, which is beneficial during landing and can also assist in speed management during certain flight phases. The combination of reduced lift and increased drag provided by the spoilers allows pilots to have better control over the aircraft's descent and landing dynamics.

This dual function makes spoilers a vital component of an aircraft's flight control system, allowing for more precise handling characteristics and enhanced safety during critical phases of flight.