Jet blast deflector

[2] Jet blast deflectors range in complexity from stationary concrete, metal or fiberglass fences to heavy panels that are raised and lowered by hydraulic arms and actively cooled.

Jet blast has been known to uproot trees, shatter windows, overturn automobiles and trucks, flatten poorly made structures and injure people.

[2] Hurricane-force air streams moving at speeds up to 100 knots (190 km/h; 120 mph) have been measured behind the largest jet-powered aircraft at distances of over 200 feet (60 m).

[2] A Boeing 777's two General Electric GE90 engines combine to create a thrust of approximately 200,000 pounds-force (900,000 N),[1] a level of force which is high enough to kill people.

[2] To prevent these problems, jet blast deflectors redirect the air stream in a non-dangerous direction, frequently upward.

Jet blast deflectors are made of heavy duty material that is raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders or linear actuators.

The jet blast deflector lies flush with and serves as a portion of the flight deck until the aircraft to be launched rolls over it on the way to the catapult.

[7] As soon as the deflector is raised, another aircraft can be brought into position behind it, and flight deck personnel can perform final readiness duties without the danger of hot, violent exhaust gases.