What is the primary purpose of the speed brakes on the CRJ?

The primary purpose of the speed brakes on the CRJ is to decelerate the aircraft during descent and landing. Speed brakes create additional drag by increasing the aircraft's surface area exposed to the airflow, which effectively reduces airspeed. This is especially important during descent when pilots need to manage their rate of descent while maintaining an appropriate landing speed.

Using speed brakes allows for a controlled and efficient descent, enabling pilots to maintain optimal approach profiles and achieve desired landing configurations without excessive use of engine power, which can be crucial in managing fuel consumption and improving overall flight performance. Deceleration during approach helps maintain an appropriate glide path and allows for safe and stable landings, particularly in scenarios where altitude needs to be lost quickly.

While speed brakes can indeed influence dynamics such as aerodynamic stability, their main function centers around enhancing the descent and landing processes by controlling airspeed effectively.