MD 80 Landing gear..

[Shamrock107]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me what surrounds the landing gear. I've noticed for years but never thought to ask why the wheels have a metal surround covering the sides and rear of the wheels.

[kabz]

Not positive, but I'd imagine this would be to stop debris being kicked up into the engines by the landing gear. Otherwise known as FOD.

[Conan The Barber]

As kabz has already mentioned, it is a spray deflector designed to prevent water, or any debris for that matter, from entering the engines.

[Shamrock107]

Thanks to both of you...

and thanks for the illustration Conan.
Nice of you to go to all that trouble.

[Onan the Clumsy]

I always thought it was where they attached the catapult.

[teedub]

better make sure its on striaght

the old spray deflector..... can be a bit of a sticky fellow, especially if you clip a taxi light et al and try to raise the nose gear with it cocked...it will make for interesting landings at jfk...(aa recently)....check nose wheel steering once up up and away...if she moves you're in for a fun flight!!! **not to be used for training purposes** (part 123.45 sub section soo mee)