Speedbird 757

[Ontariotech]

On the British Airways 757's...what the heck is that black ring around the nose? I see it on almost every one!! Is it radar absorbant paint?? Something to do with radar interferance or something??

Just curious, any answers would be appreciated.

[Hotel Mode]

Its the ones that have MLS (microwave landing system) fitted. Dont think its switched on

[Bumblebee]

Then why do some of the 737's have it then? AFAIK - none of them have MLS...

[Kestrel_909]

Search it on here, it's been asked a few times and the reasons given.

Sorry but don't have the time to look for it at the miute.

[Ontariotech]

Found the answer, MLS trials on some of the 57's and the 37's.

[Kestrel_909]

By avioniker on 26th August 2004.

Actually the black ring is a conductive strip for static dissipation. It's on all radomes but BA doesn't paint it over. Its effect is more for radio communication and to some extent lightning dissipation.

By Robert.humphrey on 26th August 2004

The BA 757 that had the trial MLS system had a black and white quadrant painted on the nosecone. The MLS system was for recording only, there was no indications or controls in the flight deck.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=142244