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wolram
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How are these crafts engines protected from ingress of debris?
mgb_phys said:It should be less of a problem than a regular aircraft.
The planes forward speed at take off is zero, so there is only the 'suction' of the engine to pull in debris. The harrier at least has a large intake for the relatively small engine so the inlet pressure (or however it is called) is going to be lower than a regular jet fighter.
And I'm guessing the nose up stance helps keep the inlet away from anything thrown up.
mgb_phys said:That's what I would have thought, but Harriers operated for years from woods in Germany eating the occasional tree branch! The US harriers have inflatable intake guards - I suppose they might have more powerful engines.
Apparently the only Harrier lost to fod was a navy one that sucked in some tools.
I also found out that most engine damage on fighters is on landing with thrust reverses that blows stones back into the final stage of the engine.
I can somewhat believe it. An aircraft carrier is a controlled airfield. Of course they do FOD checks. However, when you are landing in some LZ out in the middle of nowhere, you get what is there. No one goes out and cleans up a field before you land or takeoff.Cyrus said:Sorry, I don't believe this. This is a crock. On aircraft carries they go to great pains to remove things as small as nuts and bolts. A tree branch...not buying it.
The crafts' engines are protected from debris through the use of various protective measures, such as engine filters, engine covers, and engine screens. These components are designed to prevent debris from entering the engine and causing damage.
Debris that can potentially damage the engines of these crafts includes dust, dirt, rocks, and other small particles. Even small debris can cause significant damage to the delicate components of an engine if it is not properly protected.
Engine filters are typically made of a fine mesh material that captures and traps debris before it can enter the engine. These filters are regularly replaced or cleaned to ensure they continue to effectively protect the engine from debris.
In addition to engine filters, other methods used to protect the engines from debris include using engine covers and screens. Engine covers provide an extra layer of protection, while screens are placed in front of air intake openings to prevent debris from entering the engine.
The frequency of maintenance for these protective measures varies depending on the specific craft and its usage. However, it is important to regularly inspect and clean or replace these protective components to ensure the engines remain protected from debris at all times.