Re:Why we can't stop birds downing aircraft
by ryanwaggoner on Friday January 16, 2009 @02:39PM
(#437148)
I wonder if anyone has looked at doing a cone-shaped grill that extends forward some distance beyond the front of the engine. It would look goofy as hell, but it would only have to be strong enough to survive a glancing impact, rather than a direct hit like a flat grill. Air resistance might be an issue though...
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Re:Why we can't stop birds downing aircraft
by anewaccountname on Friday January 16, 2009 @07:24PM
(#437542)
Are we playing 20 questions or something? Just come out with it; the name you are looking for is cow catcher.
Re:Why we can't stop birds downing aircraft
by pmjordan on Friday January 16, 2009 @07:21PM
(#437539)
I think that sort of geometry would encourage the air to flow around the engine, reducing pressure & density of the air actually propelling the aircraft. This would seriously impact the efficiency of the engines, and I suspect this is what the article is referring to. A flat grille would be crazy as it would just collect the birds, held in place by the extreme pressure conditions.