A380 spoilers?

[TotalBeginner]

I've noticed on the A380, that when the flaps retract after landing there is a commanded rise of the spoilers by a couple of degrees. I can't work out what purpose this serves as the same doesn't happen when the flaps retract after takeoff? I've never come across this on any other type before.

You'll see an example of this if you scrub to 6:40 on THIS VIDEO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMY22TKEBsg)

[Dimitris]

Maybe so that they don't scratch the paint. On tekeoff the don't care about the paint :}

[punk666]

From the video the flaps retract quite a bit. Im guessing that the spoilers will scratch the surfact of the flaps which causes more drag and also would you want scratches on the upper surface of the wings ?

As I said its just going off the video you have supplied.

[swh]

Maybe incase they get some ice on them to avoid damage.

[Cap. PiSkiS]

When the flaps are in other config than 0 is because the plane needs more lift, in order to help that or make it more efficient, the spoilers drop a couple of degrees to give the wing a more curved shape, therefore, the upper part of the wing can accelerate more air faster and create more lift out of it, that same ''aero technology'' is being applied on the 787, check it for your self at smartcockpit on 787 misc part, systems and performance page 22.

:ok:PiSkiS

[catiamonkey]

I think swh is right. On other types you're supposed to leave them out until you park and have an inspection.

[Volume]

A picture from the first Singapore A380 after Landing in SYD in December 2007
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/NixusMinimax/IMG_6772.jpgI taxied out at night, so I do not know what the spoilers did. During taxi after landing the spoilers stay extende about 100 mm even with the flaps already fully retracted, and return to the stored position at engine shutdown.
I suppose also this is to minimize damage to the flap paint during ground operation, once the flaps are extended enough to avoid spoiler contact, they will retract.

[no-hoper]

I think protection of the upper flap surface is the reason for this spoiler
behaviour.Middle and outer flaps are made of carbon...

[Trent 972]

The last 2 posts were close, but not quite correct.
A380 FCOM

Spoilers extend 5 degrees on ground when flaps are fully retracted or moving, and at least one engine is running. This prevents friction between spoilers and flaps which could damage the spoilers.