Leon,
"...a box critical to the flight controls..." assuming that you are referring to the Aileron Feel Trim Unit (AFTU), I'm sure that had you listened a little more intently to the Nimrod team and had access to the relevant stress reports (as they did), you would have learnt that after significant amounts of testing and analysis it was deduced that prevention of damage from 'Seagulls' was not necessary. This was bought into by both the customer & QinetiQ. However, just to keep you up to date...A cover was designed (and was to be fitted) to prevent damage/restriction to the AFTU caused by FOD.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Oh, and I almost forgot... It was never the design (idiot?) position that the AFTU would remain on the FWD lower face of the center box where it was seem as potentially vulnerable. It was customer who vetoed the relocation to the upper part of the center box where it was to be protected, on the grounds of cost & ease of maintenance issues.
Last edited by WasNaeMe; 7th Jun 2012 at 10:50.