What is the primary purpose of an aircraft's flaps?

The primary purpose of an aircraft's flaps is to increase lift at lower speeds. Flaps are movable surfaces located on the trailing edge of the wings, and when extended, they alter the wing's shape and increase its camber. This increased camber enhances the wing's ability to generate lift at reduced airspeeds, which is particularly crucial during takeoff and landing.

When an aircraft is approaching a runway or preparing for takeoff, it requires additional lift to maintain safe operation without excessive speed. Flaps allow pilots to fly safely at slower speeds by preventing stalls. As a result, the extended flaps enable the aircraft to operate more efficiently in the critical phases of flight. While flaps can have secondary effects on drag, their primary function aligns closely with enhancing lift during low-speed scenarios.