What Is Thrust Reverser And How Does It Work?
Video Credit: Out Of Your Mind A thrust reverser, which allows for more rapid deceleration during landing, is a critical component of many jet aircraft. By acting against the aircraft’s forward travel, a thrust reverser system helps the jet slow down just after touchdown. This reduces wear on brakes and facilitates shortened landing distances. Thrust reversers are considered essential to an airplane’s safety and performance. A thrust reverser is contained within the nacelle system, an aerodynamic structure surrounding the jet engine. A nacelle system constitutes the aircraft’s propulsion system and also includes the engine cowling, inlet cowl, fan cowl, core cowl and exhaust system. While there are a number of types, many thrust reversers have clamshell doors, which open and close at designated moments. To slow down after landing, the aircraft engine itself does not run in reverse; rather, the direction of the engine’s fan airflow is reversed, creating a massive drag.