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