Birdstrike simulator
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A bird strike simulator simulates the impact of a bird with an aircraft. 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) 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 windshields, puncture fuselages or leading edges, or impair engine function.
Common practice is to fire a chicken carcass in a sabot from a pneumatic 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: Bird strike: Urban legend.
[edit] External references:
Bird strike simulator at Ghent University
