Windbreak fence

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blast fence (illustration by FAA )

A windbreak fence (English: blast deflector fence ) is a structure on airfields , which is used to protect people, vehicles and objects from the harmful effects of the air jet from jet blasts or propeller engines (English: Prop Wash). They also serve to prevent damage to the aircraft that could result from the recirculation of the air jet.

As is often the case with terms used in international aviation, the English abbreviation “blast fence” is used in the German-speaking area.

species

A distinction is made between protective fences made of metal or fiberglass and protective walls made of concrete. For the most part, protective fences are used due to the greater flexibility due to their modular structure and due to the lower costs. Concrete walls can, however, also be used at higher speeds of the air jet and require less maintenance.

execution

Windbreak fences can be opaque or - at least partially - transparent and set up vertically or at an angle. Partly transparent protective fences are often made from lamellar elements. The lamellas are aligned so that the jet of air from the engines is deflected upwards without damage. Wind protection fences (including those with metal elements) can be designed in such a way that no interference occurs with radar or other radio signals. The length and height of windbreak fences depends on the strength and spread of the jet of air from the engines and on the objects to be protected.

Alternatives

Natural barriers such as bushes and trees also protect against the negative effects of air jets and are also used in practice, above all to separate areas outside of flight operations areas. In many cases, however, natural barriers are not an equivalent substitute for windbreak fences. They have to be horticulturally cared for because of the requirement of keeping them clear of obstacles and it should also be noted that they need a certain amount of time to grow and the wind protection may not be sufficient in winter due to the lack of foliage.

Others

On aircraft carriers , the function of wind protection fences is fulfilled by hinged gas jet deflectors (English: Jetblast Deflector).

literature

  • Robert Horonjeff, Francis X. McKelvey: Planning and Design of Airports . McGraw-Hill, 1994, ISBN 978-0070453456 (English).
  • Airport design . Federal Aviation Agency, Airport Engineering Branch, Airports Division, Bureau of Facilities and Material, Washington 1961 (English).

Web links