It may sound strange to hear this test, but it is very important for aviation safety. This is called a bird strike test and its purpose is to check the damage caused by bird collision. Now fake birds made of gel or foam are used instead of real chickens.

At the time of takeoff and landing, the aircraft are the most in danger in the condition of colliding with birds. In such a situation, bird strike test aircraft has become the most important criteria for the strength and safety. In this test, the dummy bird is thrown into the engine with a high-speed machine called “chicken gun”. It is seen whether the engine works even after this collision. International organizations such as the US FAA and EASA of Europe consider this test compulsory. An engine is installed in the aircraft only when the test is passed.

What is bird strike and what are the danger?

Bird strike means when a bird collides with the aircraft while flying. This phenomenon is mostly during takeoff or landing, when the aircraft is close to the ground and the movement of birds is high. There are about 13,000 bird strike cases registered in the US every year. The “Miracle on the Hudson” incident of US Airways Flight 1549 of 2009 is a great example of this, when the pilot had to land the aircraft on the river due to bird strikes. This proves how important the test is to prevent such accidents.

How is Bird Strike Test done?

In this test, the engine of the aircraft is run at full speed, exactly the way it takes time. After this, a machine named “Chicken Gun” is thrown at a fast pace of dummy hen made from a gel or foam. Its purpose is to check whether the engine works properly even after this collision. Can the blades break, is there a possibility of fire and how much damage can the engine bear, all these things are closely examined. The engine is certified for flight only after passing the test.

Does real chickens still use?

In the earlier decades, especially during 1970 and 1980, real chickens were used in bird strike tests. But over time, due to animal morality and better technology, dummy birds made of gel, foam or synthetic material are now used. Their weight and texture is like real birds, which does not compromise in the test. This not only maintains scientific accuracy, but also ensures safety without harming animals.