Re: [GZG] Fighters and other military planes grounded by ash

TomB wrote:

>I'm sure some sort of dust filter might help at the intake, but
>ultimately any form of turbofan or turbojet needs to suck in a high
>volume of air

A dust filter with a fine enough mesh to catch the volcanic ash would 
effectively choke a jet engine or turbine (including the turbines on 
many modern helicopters). Piston engines manage a lot better though, 
so WW2-era aircraft shouldn't be too badly bothered by these conditions.

>and if small silica-based chunks can sneak through, they
>can melt in the high temperatures of those engines. Not sure there
>really is much of a solution for this one.
>
>Would not affect helos as much or rockets much at all afaik.

Helos depend on the engine type used; rockets... well, the *engines* 
should be unaffected at least <g>

>Mind you, the same aforementioned 747 apparently lost all visibility to
the
>outside world due to the windows being covered in ash residue.

Not just covered, but sandblasted opaque. They had to replace the 
windscreen and three out of four engines before the aircraft could be 
ferried back to the UK for more serious repairs :-/ (Again WW2-era 
propeller aircraft should manage better - they fly slowly enough that 
the sandblasting effect is reduced :-/ )

Regards,

Oerjan

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