Most modern jet aircraft feature a thrust reverser, which is an aircraft part essential to a plane’s safety and performance ability. It helps planes decelerate before landing, which it does by changing the direction in which air comes out of the aircraft’s engines. Below is a brief overview of thrust reversers and how they work.

What Does a Thrust Reverser Do?

While its name sounds as though this aircraft part is similar to a car or truck’s reverse gear, this is not the case—airplanes can’t reverse in midair. Instead, the thrust reverser aids the airplane’s breaks by decreasing the plane’s speed right before and just after touchdown. This process allows for shorter landing distances, reduces wear on the breaks, and is especially helpful when there’s snow, ice, or an emergency that makes breaking more complicated.

How Does a Thrust Reverser Work?

This aircraft part does not slow a plane down by reversing the engine itself. Instead, it changes the direction of the engine’s fan airflow, which creates massive drag and causes deceleration. There are different types of reverse thrust systems that work in slightly varied ways and change according to the size of the aircraft. In small planes, for example, thrust reversers typically reverse all of the engine’s airflow, while in massive commercial jets, they only partially reverse the airflow. There are also clam-shell reverse thrust systems that change the direction of airflow by opening and closing clam-shell shaped doors. Additionally, there are target-type thrust systems, which utilize bucket-style doors to change the direction in which the gas stream is exhausted.

For more information on thrust reversers, contact the experts at AVMATS in O'Fallon, MO. For more than 40 years, this family-owned company has provided jet support and aircraft parts to the St. Louis Metropolitan area, along with aircraft maintenance, turbine service, and airframe repair. Check out their website to learn more about their services, or call (636) 812-3224 to speak with a knowledgeable team member today.