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Time lapse pictures of Bird Strike Simulator firing
To simulate
the effect of a bird strike on an aircraft engine, Davis designed
and delivered (July 1997) an apparatus capable of launching projectiles
up to almost 7 inches in diameter and up to 4 lbs in weight at speeds
of up to 580 ft/s (630 km/h). This device was later adapted to a
multi-barrel configuration. The provision of high-speed pneumatic
valves as a trigger mechanism allowed the client the consistency
and repeatability required to fire projectiles through a spinning
propeller and into a running aircraft engine.
in 2008, Davis completed delivery of a bird strike gun to SNECMA for testing of the SAM146 engine. In 2009, Davis delivered to the University of New Brunswick a bird strike gun capable of firing a 20 pound projectile at speeds up to 650 ft/sec.
