eli5 why are flaps extended during takeoff if they slow down the plane?

Question

eli5 why are flaps extended during takeoff if they slow down the plane?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

This is a bad assumption. Flaps don’t slow a plane down. Flaps simply allow a plane to fly at slower speeds by generating additional lift. Speed brakes are used to slow the plane down.

ETA:

Realized I don’t finish my answer. Flaps are used at takeoff because they generate additional lift at lower speeds allowing planes to takeoff at slower speeds which lessens the necessary runway length for take off