- Birdstrike simulator
A bird strike simulator simulates the impact of a
bird with anaircraft . This is of particular importance as many planes are traveling 160 mph or faster soon after takeoff, near where birds may be flying. When a bird strikes an aircraft, it is physically similar to the aircraft being hit with a 2 to 5 lb (1 to 2 kg) projectile at 160 mph (260 km/h 1:1 feet/birds) or faster.Bird strike incidents aren't limited to takeoff. The International Bird Strike Committee has reported that although 75% of all incidents take place below 500 feet, the world height record for a strike is 37,000 feet.
Extensive testing is required to make sure that this common occurrence will not shatter
windshield s, puncturefuselage s orleading edge s, or impairengine function.Common practice is to fire a chicken carcass in a
sabot from apneumatic cannon at a stationary aircraft or part of an aircraft, allowing the fowl to approach speeds of over 450 mph (720 km/h). Fowl are fired at crucial areas such as the frontal cross section of the windshield, canopy, engine, and wings.See also
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Bird strike
*Chicken gun External references
[http://www.ir04.ugent.be/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=46 Bird strike simulator at Ghent University]
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